Rio Ferdinand says Liverpool duo are ‘machines’, noticed Sterling showing ‘respect’

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Rio Ferdinand has labelled Liverpool duo, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, as ‘machines’, as he told Vibe with Five.

The former centre-back also added that Raheem Sterling showed Van Dijk ‘respect’ during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Man City on Sunday.

Without any surprise, Liverpool, just like their Premier League title rivals, refused to take a back foot at the Etihad.

Given that Jurgen Klopp’s side were away from home, they still played a very high line and, at times, left their defenders alone with Man City’s attackers.

Ferdinand touched upon Liverpool’s risky play and spoke about one moment Sterling didn’t take Van Dijk on, and instead, ‘turned out and didn’t go at him’.

“Klopp said it after the game, in so many words, when there is time on the ball, then maybe you do need to drop a little bit,” said Ferdinand. “And don’t be so brave. That’s a fact.

“You can say it’s brave. The way that they played the nerve that they had. I understand that. To do that is borderline suicidal, at times.

“It could have been two, three or 4-0 in the first-half because of that reason of holding your line and playing a high line.

“With the pace and the machines they have in that team, especially their two centre-backs. They are road-runners. You saw when Sterling went through, Virgil van Dijk stood him up one v one. Out of respect, Sterling turned out and didn’t go for him.

“If he was playing against someone else, without the reputation, he goes at him and taking a shot. It was unbelievable.”

It’s going to be interesting to see what Jurgen Klopp will change when the duo meet again on Saturday.

The Wembley stage is fitting for the two teams to scrap it out, and this time, there has to be a winner.

Given that their previous two matches both finished in 2-2 draws, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this forthcoming semi-final goes to extra-time.

Over the years, this Man City side have been used to Wembley trips, whilst Liverpool recently beat Chelsea in the League Cup final, so they will be confident in their own way.