‘Absolute brilliant’: Martin Keown wowed by £35m Liverpool player v Benfica

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Liverpool have reached the Champions League semi-finals after beating Benfica 6-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

The Reds built up a healthy 3-1 lead in the first leg in Lisbon last week.

On Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp’s charges played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the return leg at Anfield.

Ibrahima Konate gave Liverpool a 21st-minute lead thanks to a thumping header from a corner.

The 22-year-old also headed in the opener last week against the Portuguese giants.

And BT Sport pundit Martin Keown loved what he saw from the £35million man.

“That’s an absolute brilliant header,” said the Arsenal legend.

“It looks almost like he was disinterested and suddenly changes gear and attacks it at the highest point.

“Look at that. Climbs higher than everyone else.

“He’s just physically dominant, soars over the top of his opponents.”

Darwin Nunez had the ball in the back of the Reds net two minutes later, but the flag went up to disallow the goal.

Goncalo Ramos then equalised for the visitors in the 32nd minute after a VAR check.

He rifled home inside Alisson Becker’s near post after Liverpool failed to clear their lines.

However, Liverpool regained their lead in the 55th minute thanks to some calamitous Benfica defending.

Diogo Jota played a low ball into the box for the unmarked Roberto Firmino to slot in at the back post.

Then, 10 minutes later, the Brazilian produced a lovely cushioned finish from a pinpoint Kostas Tsimikas cross.

Things got nervy for Liverpool in the latter stages as Benfica struck twice to make it 3-3 on the night.

First Roman Yaremchuk netted after being kept onside by Joe Gomez, then Nunez fired in from a tight angle.

However, there was to be no late collapse by Liverpool, who held on to reach the final four.

Liverpool will take on Villarreal in the last four, with the first leg at Anfield on April 26 or 27.

The Reds then travel to Spain a week later.