Conor Bradley has hailed Alexis Mac Allister as “unbelievable” following the Argentine’s man-of-the-match performance in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory against old club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Bradley, who made just his seventh Premier League start for the Reds on Sunday, heaped praise on the ex-Brighton midfielder.
Mac Allister dictated the game, creating a match-best five chances, including the crucial assist for Mo Salah’s second-half winner.
“He’s just a wonderful footballer and he’s a joy to play with. I can’t praise him enough to be honest.”
Mac Allister’s performances have attracted widespread praise since taking up a more advanced role in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
Last week, the German called the ex-Brighton man “a rhythm-giver” and “a difference-maker… [he is] always there, always involved, nothing is too much for him, he’s really a top, top, top player”.
Bradley himself has attracted attention following his impressive displays in the side having burst on to the scene in January. The Northern Irishman scored his first international goal last week to add to what he described as “a mental couple of months”.
In Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Bradley has provided ideal cover at right back, though faced a tough test on Sunday against Brighton winger Simon Adingra.
The Seagulls took a second minute lead after breaking down Liverpool’s right, though after that Bradley and fellow Academy graduate Jarell Quansah worked well to limit further threats.
“He was really good,” Bradley said of Adingra. “It was a difficult game, but I like to test myself against these types of players. It’s good for me and it’s a good learning experience, so I’m really happen with how it went”.
The right-back was influential in Liverpool’s quest to recover from their early deficit, winning 11 of his 16 duels and creating four chances.
“It was a perfect response from the goal,” he said. “On another day we’d tuck away a few more but we’re happy with the result”.
Bradley revealed that Klopp had a specific message for his players at half-time. “[He told us] just to be patient, probably have a bit more composure in the final third,” said the 20-year-old. “I think we lashed at a few chances, myself included. Just to be a bit more composed in the final third and when it does come, just to take the chance, and I think we did that in the second half.”