Gary Neville told Sky Sports on commentary, during their live coverage of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City (08/11/20), that Kyle Walker was being troubled by Sadio Mane.
It was a testing game for the £45m England international [BBC Sport], who was up against one of the world’s best attackers in Liverpool’s powerful speed king, Mane.
In the first half, Walker gave away a sloppy penalty when he misread Mane’s quick movement and bundled him over in the penalty area, as Mo Salah dispatched the spot-kick before Gabriel Jesus equalised.
During his commentary stint, Neville shared his thoughts on the battle between Walker and Mane, as he also commented on what was rare about the Man City man being troubled.
“You very rarely see Kyle Walker troubled when he’s one on one because of his pace,” said Neville. “But I think Mane’s got him here. I think he’s really having to work hard.
“Both physically and in his mind, Kyle Walker to live with Mane. He knows he is in a game.”
The game at the Etihad started in a quite frantic manner, and whilst these games have been more tactical rather than goals-galore mad in recent years, it did seem as though it was going to turn the way of being a goal-fest given how quick and open both teams had started.
Kevin de Bruyne did miss from the penalty spot when the game was 1-1, but during the second period, the speed of the game was turned down a notch and Liverpool, in particular, were sloppy in their play.
Injuries on top of injuries and a heavy fixture load doesn’t help their cause, as Klopp will be hoping his players return from the international break without having to go into the treatment room first.
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