Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has assessed Champions League opponents Real Madrid and believes Los Blancos are ‘extraordinary’.
The sides meet at Anfield on Wednesday in the first of a double-header and Rodgers has been interviewed by AS in advance of the fixture.
He discussed what it was like to work with Luis Suarez, the influence Spanish football has had on his approach, and what he believes will be Madrid’s most dangerous weapons.
“Right now Madrid are a team with a level of performance I haven’t seen in years,” Rodgers said.
“They have it all. Great experience, great players, speed, individual technique. It’s a fantastic squad with a wonderful Coach in Carlo Ancelotti, a nice guy who also knows how to improve players.
“They have extraordinary talent on the pitch and have, as I said, the individual quality to play in tight spaces.
“When there’s an open field there’s no one better than Madrid in the world at counter-attacks. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale could be in the Olympics with their speed over 100m.”
Rodgers elaborated on his take on Ronaldo, but stressed the Reds couldn’t afford to fixate on the Portugal captain.
“He’s a player off the charts. His evolution in recent years, the way he has become a goal scorer, has been amazing,” Rodgers continued.
“We need to know how to stop him but there is danger in other parts of the pitch.
“Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are two midfielders with great technique who can play short or long.
“I’ve greatly admired Sergio Ramos since his early days at Sevilla. And now he’s been capped 100 times! That’s a magnificent achievement. He’s fast, strong and has personality. I love that.”
