Liverpool put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals as they dispatched FC Porto 2-0 during the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.
Naby Keita’s strike took a big deflection to spark celebrations at Anfield as early as the fifth minute before Trent Alexander-Arnold set up Roberto Firmino to make it 2-0 to the hosts less than 20 minutes later.
Eder Militao, the highly-rated young centre-back who signed for Real Madrid in January for a reported €50m, was in action against the Reds before he begins his career in Spain from next season.
He had a tough test against Mohamed Salah and here, we analyse his performance.
STATS
Passes – 23
Pass accuracy – 78.3%
Tackles – 6
Interceptions – 2
Clearances – 4
Blocks – 2
Fouls – 0
Dispossessed – 1
30-SECOND REPORT
Militao had his hands full right from the start with a lively Salah to contend with. Porto as a unit were a bit erratic, looking to attack Liverpool with quick forward passes. However, that usually meant the hosts were allowed opportunities to win possession back swiftly and were usually successful.
The front three of Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino were able to come to life during numerous transitions. Militao had to be on his toes and largely coped well with Salah’s threat though he did seem to suffer from lapses in concentration when there were runs made off the ball.
GOT RIGHT
One-on-ones
Playing on the left of a central defensive three for Porto, Militao had the unenviable task of going toe-to-toe with Salah but held his own in what was arguably the most captivating battle on the pitch.
Whenever the Egyptian ran at him, he positioned his body well and was equal to the attacker’s dribbling, thwarting him time and again. It’s no surprise that he won a six tackles, more than any other team-mate.
GOT WRONG
Tracking movement
While he came out on top when facing Salah head on, it was his awareness that was lacking when the Liverpool forward ran off his shoulder or drifted inside. While Militao can’t be expected to shadow Salah all over the field, he failed to hand him off to a team-mate and when he allowed the forward to roam unmarked, he often failed to pick up Trent Alexander-Arnold’s run on the outside.
There was one moment when Salah gave him the slip with a little feint, allowing a pass to run across him and then chase after it in behind which really exposed the Portuguese.
VERDICT
There’s some good for Madrid to work with but unfortunately, Militao seems to exhibit the same shortcomings that so many Los Blancos defenders have struggled with in the past. He has great attributes and is a fine athlete. He is capable of making eye-catching interventions as well but it’s the finer aspects of defending where he’s found wanting. The ability to suss out danger and be a step ahead of a striker is where he does not impress.
RATING: 6/10