By JAMES COHEN
Published: 18:13 EST, 27 November 2024 | Updated: 18:13 EST, 27 November 2024
Rio Ferdinand has labelled Liverpool as 'the best team in Europe' after their 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Arne Slot's side took all three points from the Champions League clash after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo wrapped up a win at Anfield.
The victory keeps Liverpool at the top of the table in both Europe and in the Premier League - with the Reds eight points clear of second-place Man City in the top-flight.
It's been a dream start to life in Merseyside for Slot and now it's got pundits such as Ferdinand showering his Liverpool side in praise.
Speaking after the match, Ferdinand said: 'They've put the gauntlet down to all the other teams in Europe. They look the best team in Europe at the moment.
'They're playing as a team and look the hungriest individuals about. They're not only getting results, they look starving. They look like they haven't been fed for ages.
Liverpool remain top of the Champions League and the Premier League after a strong start
Rio Ferdinand labelled them the 'best team in Europe' after beating Real Madrid on Wednesday
'Rottweilers running round the pitch hunting teams down. They've got the composure and people like Mo Salah have got the killer instinct to finish games off.
'Every one of their players performed very, very well. Arne Slot would have liked to see what his team can produce in a game of this magnitude against the Champions League winners. he got a very positive answer'.
Ferdinand's co-pundit and former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale also gave his opinion on the Reds and admitted they deserved the victory on the night.
Bale said: 'The amount of injuries they've got, it's very difficult (for Madrid). Liverpool were by far the better team this evening. Really dominated the game from start to finish'.
Prior to kick-off, Ferdinand offered his defence of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah over his current contract dispute with the Merseyside giants.
The Egyptian's deal is set to expire at the end of this season and he recently claimed in a shock interview that there are no new offers to stay from Liverpool chiefs.
The forward, 32, conducted a rare interview with Mail Sport and a small group of other reporters after scoring twice in the 3-2 victory at Southampton, where he said he was 'more out than in' and criticised the club.
It drew criticism from the likes of club legend Jamie Carragher who claimed that Salah was 'selfish' by venting his frustration in public but now Ferdinand has argued back.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Ferdinand said: 'He hasn't been disrespectful. He's just stating facts.
Arne Slot (right) has got the best out of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah (left) in recent weeks
Jude Bellingham (middle) was unable to prevent Madrid falling on the wrong side of the scoreline
'As team-mates you're thinking: Is he still with us? Mo Salah is scoring goals week-in, week-out (so he is). He wants to stay, but for a bit more money'.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was also on punditry duty and agreed as he claimed that Salah was likely looking to 'get more money' in his deal.
Bale said: 'We never bring those things into conversation. It's always about training or general life. I can't imagine it'll affect anybody.
'It's for people upstairs to sort out with his agent. I'm sure he's just making noise to try and get more money to be honest!'