Chris Sutton has been quoted by BBC Live as saying that the distribution of Liverpool duo Fabinho and James Milner was “poor” on the night as the Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their tie.
Having suffered a 5-2 loss to Madrid in the first leg at Anfield, a game in which the Reds were 2-0 up, Liverpool were tasked with winning by three goals, at least. Such a result, with away goals not relevant, would have forced extra time.
But The Reds were lacking in midfield. Jurgen Klopp was forced to start with James Milner alongside Fabinho in more of a 4-2-3-1 system. Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic were all missing on Wednesday night in Madrid.
It was a solid enough performance against one of Europe’s best sides. But the Reds did not have the best chances and Alisson was called upon numerous times to deny Karim Benzema, Viniciur Jr and Real Madrid’s other superstar players.
But it was in the engine room where the most-glaring difference between the two sides lay. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga ruled the game and its tempo. Milner and Fabinho were wasteful in possession, Sutton said.
“The contrast of the midfields is stark. Modric, Camavinga and Kroos have been so composed. Take Gakpo out of the equation, who has been asked to play deeper. Milner and Fabinho have been poor in their distribution,” Sutton said.
Sutton: Distribution of Liverpool duo Milner and Fabinho poor in Madrid
It was poor. Fabinho, more so. In the second half, the £40m man’s lack of form in recent months continued – regularly giving the ball away. He looks a shadow of the player that was considered one of the best in his position in the world.
In the second half, Harvey Elliott laid the ball back to him and he took a first touch but was easily barged off the ball. Something that you have to say, would never have happened a couple of years ago. He has lost his spark, confidence.
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