Alberto Moreno had strong words of praise for both Mario Balotelli and Steven Gerrard, as Liverpool edged past FC Ludogorets on their Champions League return, reports the Express.
Moreno enjoyed a decent performance in only his fourth appearance for the club, and provided the assist for Balotelli’s opening goal in front of the Kop.
That looked as if it were to prove the winner, only for the Reds to conceded a sloppy 91st minute equaliser. But Steven Gerrard remained the coolest man in the stadium, to score a 93rd minute winner from the spot.
“He got a bit nervous didn’t he?!” Moreno joked.
“I don’t have words for Stevie; he’s a great footballer and he’s a special person, not just here but at a world level. Steven Gerrard is a great player.
“That is what we’ve always been told and I am proud to be playing with him. I hope that remains the case for years to come.”
Moreno was also keen to praise Balotelli, who fired a fine finish for what was his first Liverpool goal since his summer signing from AC Milan.
He said: “Mario is physically fearsome.
“He can hold the ball up and help us when we are under pressure at the back, and can release the ball.
“That gives us something extra and then in the penalty box you saw the one chance he had, he took it. For opposition defences it is hard when you’re up against Mario Balotelli.
“I am delighted for him and his goal. Now we have to keep it going.”
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