Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has admitted he’s surprised to see Liverpool struggling this season.

The Reds are in far away eighth in the Premier League, after playing 22 matches, and have managed just 35 points so far.

Liverpool’s current form is in contrast with where they were last term, when they finished second in the Premier League, and reached the Champions League final, although they eventually lost to Madrid.

Both sides are set to face each other again, but this time, in the Champions League round-of-16, and ahead of the meeting on Tuesday, Modric has shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s form.

“I am really surprised that Liverpool are so far from the first place in the Premier League, but they can also say the same about us at the moment in La Liga. So, I’m not saying anything!” Luka Modric told the Daily Mail.

“Seeing the Liverpool squad, we know that at any time they can react and start to come back in the season. I hope it won’t be in these two Champions League games against us but we have to be ready.

“Despite our league seasons, a Liverpool-Real match is one of the best shows that the world of football can offer. It’s a shame that the draw has led to us playing so early in the competition because it would have been a great Champions League Final.

“In terms of this first leg I think defences could be the key. I don’t see a lot of goals in the match. It will probably be two very even matches, but I see Real as favourites and we’ll go to Anfield looking for a victory.

“With away goals no longer counting double it makes less difference whether you play home or away first. But I always prefer to have the second leg at home because at the Bernabeu we have seen so many times how the fans in the stand influence this kind of match.”