😳 “I’ve never faced anyone like him” — Liverpool star opens up after Anfield defeat
After Liverpool’s narrow 2–1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield, Alexander Isak couldn’t hide his amazement when asked about the opponent who impressed him most. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Bruno Fernandes or Amad Diallo — it was another name entirely.
> “To be honest, this is my first time playing against someone so fiercely aggressive and intelligent. He really shocked me today,” Isak said after the match.
The player in question? Matthijs de Ligt — the Dutch defensive powerhouse who produced one of his best performances since joining United.
From kickoff to the final whistle, De Ligt was everywhere. He dominated the air, blocked shots, intercepted passes, and seemed to anticipate every Liverpool move before it happened. Even with Isak and Mohamed Salah pressing hard, the Dutchman stood like a wall in red.
> “His strength is one thing, but it’s how smart he is that really stands out,” Isak continued. “You think you’ve beaten him — then suddenly he’s right there again. I respect defenders like that. He made my job very difficult.”
De Ligt’s brilliance helped Manchester United secure their first league victory at Anfield since 2016. His partnership with Harry Maguire — who scored the winning header — proved decisive, combining leadership, discipline, and steel at the back.
Football analysts praised manager Rúben Amorim for trusting De Ligt in such a high-pressure fixture, describing the decision as “tactical genius.” The 26-year-old rewarded that faith with a dominant performance that silenced his critics and earned admiration from fans and foes alike.
Online reactions poured in quickly, with many calling it “a masterclass in defending” and even “the night De Ligt truly announced himself at Old Trafford.”
For Isak, the experience was humbling — but also revealing.
> “I’ve played against great defenders before — Saliba, Gabriel, Díaz — but De Ligt is something else. He doesn’t just defend; he takes control,” the Swedish striker admitted.
For Manchester United, this wasn’t just another win. It was a statement.
And for Matthijs de Ligt, it was a night of redemption — one that reminded Europe exactly why he’s still considered one of the best centre-backs in the game. 💪🔥
Leave a Reply