“He was almost Pirlo like at times" - Gareth Bale and Rio Ferdinand rave about Liverpool star after win over Real Madrid
Gareth Bale and Rio Ferdinand have praised Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister with the latter comparing the Argentine to AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo. Mac Allister was named the Player of the Match following the Reds' dominant 2-0 win against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield on November 27.
Mac Allister had an excellent outing in midfield. The 25-year-old looked assured on both ends of the pitch and scored Liverpool's opening goal in the 52nd minute with a brilliant finish into the bottom-left corner.
The Argentine completed 54 passes from an attempted 59 with an accuracy of 92 percent, created two chances, and made four recoveries. Ferdinand was evidently impressed as he told TNT Sports (via Rousing the Kop):
“I thought Mac Allister was one of the best players on the pitch tonight. He was almost Pirlo like at times floating those passes. I like the looks he gives over his shoulder, his awareness, quick feet here, pops it around Bellingham and it’s good finish into the far corner.”
Bale added:
“You can see he is a very technically gifted player. It’s that typical South American style. Great one two and then a great finish in the corner.”
Cody Gakpo netted Liverpool's second of the night with a header in the 76th minute to secure all three points. The Reds remain flawless in the Champions League and are at the top of the table with 15 points from five games. In contrast, Real Madrid are 24th with six points.
"I got up and I applauded" - Frank Leboeuf hails Liverpool star following 2-0 win against Real Madrid
ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf has admitted he stood up and applauded after witnessing Conor Bradley put in a perfect last-man tackle to deny Kylian Mbappe a goal-scoring opportunity in the first half.
Bradley made his full Champions League debut at right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold was named on the bench after recovering from an injury. Bradley was sensational, providing the assist for Mac Allister's goal. He also won eight duels and made nine recoveries, looking like a seasoned veteran against Real Madrid.
Leboeuf praised Bradley for his maturity, stating (via Rousing the Kop):
"Conor Bradley – that young guy facing Kylian Mbappe – he was so mature. The old-fashioned tackle he made, oh! I got up and I applauded. It was fantastic. I love that guy and the intensity he puts into the game.”
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Bradley appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was subbed off in the 87th minute. Fans will be hoping he recovers for their next Premier League game against Manchester City this Sunday (December 1).
