Xabi Alonso hails Atlético star as ‘one of the best in the world’ | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has moved to reveal his appreciation for the talents of Atlético Madrid star Julián Alvarez.

This, of course, comes after the Argentine proved himself the decisive figure in the meeting between the two clubs on Tuesday.

Diego Simeone’s Atlético played host to German champions Leverkusen last night, in a highly-anticipated Champions League showdown.

When all was said and done, it was the former who emerged on the right side of a hard-fought result.

And the aforementioned Alvarez proved himself the star of the show, first drawing the 10-man hosts level early in the 2nd-half, before completing the turnaround with 90 minutes on the clock.

Speaking to the media in the aftermath of his side’s defeat, the name of frontman Alvarez, in turn, was put to Xabi Alonso.

And the Spanish tactician made use of the opportunity to wax lyrical about the talents of the former Manchester City man:

“I value Julián Alvarez a lot. He’s one of the best in the world. His role at Atléti is fundamental. His transfer is highly regarded. He did what great forwards do—out of nothing, he brought Atleti back into the game. Very few can do that.”

Conor Laird – GSFN