|
STEVEN GERRARD: Before the game, the Reds skipper told The Sun: 'We want to go for the jugular from the first whistle. We know we need a night like Juventus, like Chelsea and like Olympiakos.' Go for the jugular, they did. When it was all over, Liverpool had created history. The 8-0 victory over Besiktas was the biggest win in Champions League history. But his one-goal contribution didn't paint the whole picture. Gerrard was the driving force in the middle of the park, dominating play and continuously forcing the opponents into making errors. It was Gerrard near his best, but even he was just part of an all-star cast on the night. 8/10 Tohari Paijan: The leadership Gerrard provides in times of need is immense. He is the man Rafael Benitez relies on when the team is under huge pressure. Gerrard had rescued Liverpool on many European nights before this - and he did it again. He was running from box to box, a constant threat which Besiktas just couldn't pick up. He proved again that he has what it takes to be the spine of the team. PETER CROUCH: The reluctance of Benitez to utilise Crouch more often is a mystery which may never be solved. He hasn't become an overnight superstar simply on the back of this performance. But the influence he had on the game cannot be dismissed lightly. His opening goal was perhaps the biggest reason for the thrashing of Besiktas. It forced the Turkish club to go forward in search of an equaliser, which created gaps at the back. And the Liverpool attackers exploited that to the hilt. How apt that Crouch was able to round off his sterling performance with the last goal of the game as well - the one goal that ensured Liverpool broke the Champions League record. 8 Tohari: The England international was literally unleashed to create havoc. The hunger of success is still there. Maybe he used this match to vent the frustration which arose from all that time spent on the bench. It is evident from the way he went about his job, fighting for every ball and going for every tackle. The aerial presence he posed in the penalty box was a constant irritation to the defenders. He also provided his team-mates with a focal point of attack, instead of going about their attack aimlessly. He has good technical ability, too, and thus was able to bring his team-mates into play effortlessly. JAVIER MASCHERANO: The Argentinian doesn't pack plenty of flair into his play like most South Americans. But he knows all about the English mentality. After all, his commitment and mental toughness are what make him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He was a crucial lynchpin for the Reds, breaking up Besiktas' attack before it gathered momentum. When necessary, he didn't hesitate to foul his opponents to stop them from getting into dangerous positions. He is an astute player who is very aware of everything that is going on. Besiktas tried to outwit him in vain. An unsung hero. Mohamed Sissoko is nowhere near to becoming his replacement. 8 Tohari: To me, Mascherano is like a Gennaro Gattuso in the making. He gave his 110 per cent for a collective cause. There are few better in the world when it comes to disrupting opponents' play. Counter-attacking play is the latest trend in Champions League football. And Mascherano is the man to counter the counter-attack. He is a hard man who knows how to handle stress. Some experienced players are known to crack under pressure. But he thrives under trying circumstances. YOSSI BENAYOUN: Like Crouch, Benayoun is often left out of the starting line-up. But when called upon, the Israeli seldom disappoints. He lit up Anfield with a fine hat-trick which should go some way towards convincing Benitez to use him more often. His menacing runs down the right were too much for Besiktas to deal with. The perfectly-weighted crosses, dazzling runs and willingness to battle for the ball has endeared him to the fans fast. Other than scoring goals, he also made two assists to cap a solid all-round performance. An exciting player who values the importance of industry. Now, that is a trait every English football fan can never get enough of. 9 Tohari: He is one of Liverpool's most creative players. In a way, he reminds me of Luis Garcia, except that Benayoun is much faster. He can play as a support striker or on the flanks. Yet, the most important thing he provided was penetration. Even when in tight spaces, he was able to work his way out of trouble to create goal-scoring chances for his team-mates. What made him even more impressive yesterday was his eagerness to win back the ball once he lost it. ANDRIY VORONIN: A goal for the Ukrainian would have been the icing on the cake. There were few out there who deserved a goal more than him. Did the dirty work for the team in the front third, getting stuck in and harassing the opponents into losing the ball. But he was also fantastic in linking the play between midfield and attack. Made three assists in the game, but it was the audacious backheel into Gerrard's path which created Liverpool's fifth goal that underlined his class. 8 Tohari: Voronin is not a goal poacher. He is a hardworking striker not dissimilar to Dirk Kuyt. Against Besiktas, he provided the first line of defence. From an attacking perspective, the threat from him is on the ground, as opposed to Crouch in the air. His presence eased the pressure on the midfielders. His team-mates took all the shine for scoring the goals, but Voronin deserves credit for his display.
| 
