'They had to play in Chukwueze down the sides' - Crouch highlights how Liverpool dominated Villarreal
Published: April 28, 2022
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has highlighted how the Premier League side dominated Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal meeting at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The tie is Liverpool's to lose following a 2-0 win thanks to an own goal from Pervis Estupinan in the 53rd minute and Sadio Mane's strike two minutes later after a lovely assist from Mohamed Salah.
Crouch noted that Villarreal had problems dealing with Liverpool's press for most part of the game, leaving their offense ineffective with only one attempt compared to the Reds' twenty over the course of ninety minutes.
Samuel Chukwueze had the least touches (14) of the players who started the game, which shows how Liverpool did not give Villarreal spaces to operate, while Nigerian-born winger Arnaut Danjuma managed eighteen touches.
In his post-match analysis on BT Sport, Crouch said : "I just felt that they had to try something different. They were playing into Liverpool's hands completely.
"They were actually getting some of the best chances from actually winning the ball back when Villarreal had possession.
"They had to play in Danjuma or Chukwueze down the sides just to try and get themselves a breather, get themselves up.
"They literally could not breathe, they could not get any respite, they were on top of them every time they had the ball."
Chukwueze, who started only his second Champions League game this term, made way for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner Boulaye Dia with eighteen minutes left.
The tie is Liverpool's to lose following a 2-0 win thanks to an own goal from Pervis Estupinan in the 53rd minute and Sadio Mane's strike two minutes later after a lovely assist from Mohamed Salah.
Crouch noted that Villarreal had problems dealing with Liverpool's press for most part of the game, leaving their offense ineffective with only one attempt compared to the Reds' twenty over the course of ninety minutes.
Samuel Chukwueze had the least touches (14) of the players who started the game, which shows how Liverpool did not give Villarreal spaces to operate, while Nigerian-born winger Arnaut Danjuma managed eighteen touches.
In his post-match analysis on BT Sport, Crouch said : "I just felt that they had to try something different. They were playing into Liverpool's hands completely.
"They were actually getting some of the best chances from actually winning the ball back when Villarreal had possession.
"They had to play in Danjuma or Chukwueze down the sides just to try and get themselves a breather, get themselves up.
"They literally could not breathe, they could not get any respite, they were on top of them every time they had the ball."
Chukwueze, who started only his second Champions League game this term, made way for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner Boulaye Dia with eighteen minutes left.
The return leg of the semifinal tie will take place at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday, May 3.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- After scoring seven goals against Norwich U18s, Obi-Martin breaks Arsenal record held by USMNT striker
- 'Scored many goals' - Legendary Brazil striker heaps praise on Osimhen, tips him to do well at new club
- Confirmed: Super Falcons-eligible striker set to be named in Barcelona's gameday squad v Chelsea
- 'Doing well' - AC Milan coach Pioli reveals Samuel Chukwueze is ready to play against Juventus
- 'Probably there will be offers' - Bournemouth boss expects bids for history-making striker of Nigerian descent
- Nigerian exports: Akor Adams ends 6-month goal drought; Vejle's Onugkha scores for third game in a row
- Report: Wolverhampton Wanderers make N16.8b bid for Super Eagles right-back
- Tottenham-linked central defender Tosin makes final decision on his future at Fulham
- Super Eagles striker Boniface admits missing 2023 AFCON was one of the painful moments of his career
- Confirmed team news: Aston Villa old boy Chukwuemeka will miss Chelsea's trip to B6 6HE
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football