Opposition manager surprisingly praises Liverpool player before facing him

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It is unusual to see a manager praise an opposition player before a game – although that is exactly what one Liverpool star has now experienced.

The comments came ahead of a friendly match between Argentina and Costa Rica in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

So, which Liverpool player surprisingly received praise from an opposition manager? Let’s take a look…

Alexis Mac Allister praised by Gustavo Alfaro

Well, it was Alexis Mac Allister who found himself on the end of praise from Gustavo Alfaro – manager of Costa Rica.

The 61-year-old told TNT Sports: “I had the chance to be with him when I went to visit the Ecuadorian boys from Brighton, Caicedo, Sarmiento and Estupinan. I spoke with them and then I went to eat with Alexis. I asked him on more than one occasion to help Moises (Caicedo) because when he was only 18 when Brighton had bought him.

“He helped him a lot since he arrived. It is an example of what Alexis is. The leadership, the camaraderie he has and the way he carries himself. He is an example of how far a player can go when talent is supported by humility. When I see him, I’m going to congratulate him, because I’m very proud of the career he’s having. He’s a boy who makes a notable difference with his intelligence and his application.”

Alfaro speaks about the Liverpool No.10 like a proud father would – which is testament to the way Mac Allister conducts himself as a professional footballer.

The 25-year-old actually went on to score against Costa Rica after these comments were made, netting in the 56th minute to put Argentina 2-1 up.

Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup winners eventually recorded a 3-1 win.

Liverpool truly struck gold

In truth, even the most optimistic Liverpool fan probably didn’t expect Mac Allister to turn out to be this good a signing.

For just £35m – a deal Liverpool believe was a complete and utter bargain – the Reds secured themselves a midfielder who can pretty much do it all.

Mac Allister has that typical South American tenacity which helps him get stuck in and be physical, but the Argentine can also combine this industrial side with aesthetically pleasing technical skills.

The man from Santa Rosa is a true all rounder, and at the age of just 25, he could boss Liverpool’s midfield for the best part of the next decade – what a signing.