Edmilson hails Liverpool team spirit

Barcelona midfielder Jose Edmilson has praised the team ethic at Liverpool which has helped the English side reach the Champions League final for the second time in three years.

Liverpool, who beat AC Milan to claim the 2005 title, eliminated semi-final opponents Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out last night to book their place in the Athens final, where they will meet either Milan or Manchester United.

Liverpool may not boast the individual superstars of some of Europe’s other big clubs, but 30-year-old Edmilson believes Rafael Benitez’s side are proof that a solid all-round team can be more than a match for anyone.

“At Anfield they don’t have the best players in the world, but they are a good team,” said Edmilson, whose Barca side saw the defence of their Champions League title ended by Liverpool at the last-16 stage of this year’s competition.

“They are very effective, almost perfect tactically, and obedient.

“Football is changing, it is not so much about fancy skills, now it’s about playing as a team. Liverpool showed that yesterday.”