Attacker wins six recoveries, 48-touch defender dazzles – Liverpool’s three winners from win vs Real Madrid
Liverpool secured an impressive 1-0 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League on 4 November.
Vinicius Junior was kept quiet by Liverpool as they edged a battle of the continental titans at Anfield under the European lights.
The Reds played a carefully calculated counter-attacking that proved fruitful as Alexis Mac Allister’s header won Arne Slot the match.
On a successful night at Anfield, it could’ve been even better, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively telling Football Insider that Liverpool should’ve been awarded a penalty against Real Madrid.
In the aftermath of the superb victory, Football Insider reviews the three winners from the Reds’ triumph.
Andy Robertson shows Milos Kerkez how things are done
Liverpool fans were glad to see Milos Kerkez benched as Andy Robertson started once again for the Dutch manager.
The Hungarian has endured a difficult start to life on Merseyside, leading to Slot calling on the experience of the Scotsman to manage the pace of the Real Madrid attack.
Robertson was excellent defensively, winning four of his six duels and ensuring he wasn’t dribbled past by Eduardo Camavinga on the right-hand side.
Moreover, the number 26 looked after the ball, losing possession on eight occasions, as well as turning defence in attack, delivering one key pass.
The Scotland international’s touch map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, reflects his energetic performance, touching the ball 48 times as he raced up and down the line.
Conor Bradley delivered mature display as he silenced Vinicius Junior
Liverpool supporters were mesmerised by Conor Bradley’s performance against Real Madrid as he kept Xabi Alonso’s number seven rather quiet.
The Brazilian failed to register a single shot, testament to the defensive tenacity exhibited by the Northern Irishman.
The 22-year-old won all three of his tackles, winning eight of his 12 duels along the way.
Moreover, his heat map reflects his relentless work rate as the number 12 tirelessly ran up and down the right flank to support attacks and protect his goalkeeper.
The irony of Trent Alexander-Arnold being on the bench for los Blancos suggested the Reds have made the right call in prioritising Bradley’s development at Anfield, after their former right-back left last summer.
Florian Wirtz continues to shine for Liverpool on the European stage
Football Insider highlighted how Slot altered Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool role against Frankfurt on 22 October, and, against Real Madrid, he starred once again.
Positioned on the left-hand side, the German primarily kept to his flank, occasionally drifting inside to pick up central spaces to dictate play.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man racked up five key passes, including one big chance created.
Moreover, the 22-year-old completed 31 of his 36 passes, as shown by his pass map, often choosing to play quick one-two passes to maintain Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.
Defensively, the number seven helped to slow the pace of the Real Madrid attack, winning four ground duels and racking up six recoveries.