Monday, February 23, 2009

Jerzy Dudek Knows That Liverpool Pose More Problems Than Just Fernando Torres


Iker Casillas' understudy at the Bernabeu has stated that 'El Nino' is not the only player who can worry Los Blancos' in their Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Champions League makes a welcome return this week after an 8-week sabbatical, and the round of sixteen witnesses some mouth-watering clashes, none more so than the titanic battle between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Madrid have found some formidable form since Jaunde Ramos took over as manager in December, and are unbeaten in 2009. Liverpool meanwhile are struggling to keep pace with Manchester United in the Premier League, and that title seems to be slipping away from them.

However, Polish stopper Jerzy Dudek is under no illusions, knowing that domestic form can count for nothing at this stage of the tournament, and believes that while Spanish forward Fernando Torres is a great talent, Liverpool have quality in all areas of the pitch.

He said, "[Fernando] Torres has great speed and is a player who can make a difference. But I think it would be a mistake to choose only one Liverpool player who can be dangerous.

"[Pepe] Reina is an excellent goalkeeper, while in defence [Jamie] Carragher has great quality in the air. [Steven] Gerrard and [Xabi] Alonso play with a great tempo in midfield, and this forms a superb spine to their team."

Dudek also believes that the matches are likely to be close encounters with little to choose between the sides.

He added, "Real Madrid and Liverpool are two sides who have worked well in their defence, so I would be surprised to see many goals scored."

The pair clash on Wednesday evening with the first leg taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

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