British comedy act Adam Rowe has described the current Liverpool squad as club legends with or without another title.
The Reds have morphed into an incredible force, a team that nobody wants to play against in six years under Jürgen Klopp. A slow rebuild for the second most successful side in English football has now come full circle as the Merseysiders have become one of the most dangerous teams in World football.
They have already sealed the Carabao Cup this season and are in the running for three more titles: The FA Cup, the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. A victory in all the remaining competitions would make them the first English team to win the quadruple.
They are now one step closer to that achievement after dispatching Spanish LaLiga side Villarreal at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie. An own goal from Villarreal defender Pervis Estupiñan and a Sadio Mane strike sealed the win for The Reds to put the tie in their favour.
Rowe was a guest on talkSPORT as the game was being reviewed and he spoke about how the entire city of Liverpool has had a different feel thanks to the massive achievements of the current Reds team.
Rowe said that the journey of the team has etched their names into history at the club for all involved, regardless of how many trophies they end up winning at the end of the season.
Liverpool have taken fans on a journey, Rowe says
Rowe praised the team for their passion and optimism, and how they have given fans hope.
“Regardless of how this season ends, this entire squad are certified Liverpool legends,” the comedian told talkSPORT.
“Football, for me, as much as it is about winning trophies, there’s a big part of it that is about the journey and the optimism.
“And the feeling in the air in the city at the minute is just something I’ve never experienced before as a football fan. These days, regardless of how this season ends, are as good as it gets as a football fan.
“And I’m making a very conscious effort to make sure I remember every single one of them at the minute.”
Rio Ferdinand, who played for years for Liverpool’s greatest rivals, Manchester United, could not hide his admiration for Klopp’s side after the game as well.
The former United defender was on matchday duty at BT Sport studios and said that there is nothing stopping Liverpool from the quadruple.
“This is the best Liverpool team I’ve ever seen. They’re relentless with and without the ball,” Ferdinand said. “It’s the way they press teams, the energy, effort, application, you marvel at it.
“That [the quadruple] has got to be the aim. They are going to set themselves the target.
“If they achieve it they’re immortal, they are above anyone that has played the game in this country. Whether they can achieve it remains to be seen. But they’re ticking boxes along the way at the moment.”
Sadio Mane matches Drogba record with UCL goal against Villarreal
Meanwhile, Liverpool will have Mane to thank for giving them some breathing space ahead of their trip next week to El Madrigal in Spain for the second leg of their match against the Yellow Submarines.
Estupiñan’s own goal caused by Jordan Henderson’s cross and Mane’s deft finish were the only goals of the first leg. While the team will be happy, Mane will be even happier.
That goal was his 14th goal in the Champions League knockout stage, equalling Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as the African with the most goals in the competition’s knockout phase. Despite Salah earning most of the praise – he made the pass for Mane’s goal and grabbed the assist – the Senegal forward has also been one of the best players in the side.
Former Aston Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor said earlier today on talkSPORT that Mane deserves the Ballon d’Or ahead of every contender this year.
“We will probably look at Benzema and Lewandowski, but I’m looking at Sadio Mane,” Agbonlahor said. “He’s won the Africa Cup of Nations, got a chance of winning the Premier League, has won the Carabao Cup and could win the FA Cup and Champions League and he’s scored a lot of goals this season.
“I know we’re looking at Benzema, but if they [Real Madrid] get knocked out by Man City then I think Mane would be the favourite to get it.
“I look at the way the Ballon d’Or is given, it includes trophies as well. Sadio Mane winning the Africa Cup of Nations, I’d put him above Mo Salah as well.”
