Liverpool will feel confident going into Saturday's Champions League final but how do they stop two Real Madrid stars?
Ex-Reds midfielder Vladimir Smicer spoke exclusively to BoyleSports ahead of the grand clash in Paris this weekend.
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Benzema has been in scintillating form this season in the Champions League and La Liga, while Vincius Junior has helped played a massive part for Carlo Ancelotti's side. So just how will Liverpool stop them both?
“Both Benzema and Vinicius have shown a lot of quality. They are their decisive players who can make a difference," said Smicer.
“Vinicius has so much energy and can run for 120 minutes and Benzema has surprised everyone. I never thought he could show this kind of form, week in, week out.
“He’s unbelievable and we know what they can do, I hope we prepared for them. Defensively, we have great players. Van Dijk, Robertson, Trent, Alisson in goal, I hope we can cope with them and they will not score more than us.”
Despite winning the trophy in 2019, Liverpool will still want some revenge for the 2018 final when they lost to Real Madrid after Mo Salah was forced off early, before Gareth Bale wrapped up the win with a stunning overhead kick.
Salah is yet to agree a new deal at Anfield just yet but winning the UCL this weekend could see an end to negotiations.
“Mo is a fantastic player for us and it’s a difficult situation," added Smicer.
"Both sides will hope that his contract situation will be sorted but in my opinion, it’s important he stays for more seasons than the one left in his contract.
“I hope he finds a solution with Liverpool and he gets a new contract.”
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If Salah were to leave Liverpool, though - do they already have his replacement in Luis Diaz? The winger has shown his quality since joining a few months ago.
“Diaz has impressed everyone. We knew he was a good player and that’s why Liverpool bought him but you never know how he was going to adjust to the Premier League," added Smicer.
“He needed just two or three training sessions and he’s been absolutely fantastic. It’s great we have this player in our team and he’s still young so he will improve.”
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Furthermore, the Reds have this week completed the signing of Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho. And Smicer can see the potential as Liverpool look towards the future.
“I haven’t seen him play too much to be honest. I watch Liverpool and my other former clubs but I believe he’s a good choice if we sign him," said the Czech.
“He’ll be in the squad and learning from the best players and in the future he could be a great player for us.”
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Ex-Reds midfielder Vladimir Smicer spoke exclusively to BoyleSports ahead of the grand clash in Paris this weekend.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PRICE BOOSTS, GOALSCORER MARKETS & AN EPIC ODDS OFFER!
Benzema has been in scintillating form this season in the Champions League and La Liga, while Vincius Junior has helped played a massive part for Carlo Ancelotti's side. So just how will Liverpool stop them both?
“Both Benzema and Vinicius have shown a lot of quality. They are their decisive players who can make a difference," said Smicer.
“Vinicius has so much energy and can run for 120 minutes and Benzema has surprised everyone. I never thought he could show this kind of form, week in, week out.
“He’s unbelievable and we know what they can do, I hope we prepared for them. Defensively, we have great players. Van Dijk, Robertson, Trent, Alisson in goal, I hope we can cope with them and they will not score more than us.”
Despite winning the trophy in 2019, Liverpool will still want some revenge for the 2018 final when they lost to Real Madrid after Mo Salah was forced off early, before Gareth Bale wrapped up the win with a stunning overhead kick.
Salah is yet to agree a new deal at Anfield just yet but winning the UCL this weekend could see an end to negotiations.
“Mo is a fantastic player for us and it’s a difficult situation," added Smicer.
"Both sides will hope that his contract situation will be sorted but in my opinion, it’s important he stays for more seasons than the one left in his contract.
“I hope he finds a solution with Liverpool and he gets a new contract.”
GOALSCORER MARKETS
If Salah were to leave Liverpool, though - do they already have his replacement in Luis Diaz? The winger has shown his quality since joining a few months ago.
“Diaz has impressed everyone. We knew he was a good player and that’s why Liverpool bought him but you never know how he was going to adjust to the Premier League," added Smicer.
“He needed just two or three training sessions and he’s been absolutely fantastic. It’s great we have this player in our team and he’s still young so he will improve.”
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Sign up to BoyleSports in Ireland & GET €40 FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET €10! T&Cs apply
Furthermore, the Reds have this week completed the signing of Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho. And Smicer can see the potential as Liverpool look towards the future.
“I haven’t seen him play too much to be honest. I watch Liverpool and my other former clubs but I believe he’s a good choice if we sign him," said the Czech.
“He’ll be in the squad and learning from the best players and in the future he could be a great player for us.”
UCL FINAL PRICE BOOSTS
EPIC ODDS ON YOUR MOBILE - YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE ONE!
METHOD OF VICTORY MARKETS HERE
Remember, always gamble responsibly. Here's our Safer Gambling Guide.
[video width="720" height="720" mp4="https://cdn2.assets-servd.host/kaput-caracal/staging/$UPLOADS_FOLDER/2022/05/boylesports_safer-gambling-1080x1080_full_reduceded-banding.mp4"][/video]
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