Theo Walcott has suggested that he is such a big fan of Alejandro Garnacho after being left amazed by the pace of the Manchester United star in the final moments of extra-time against Liverpool on Sunday.
Manchester United have booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-final, where they will face Coventry City. Erik ten Hag’s side more than played their part in a stunning game at Old Trafford at the weekend, with Amad Diallo scoring a dramatic late winner.
It was Alejandro Garnacho who set up Amad, with the Argentinian making a remarkable burst from just outside his own penalty area. The 19-year-old had played the entire game. And yet, he still had the ability to fly away from the Liverpool players and find his teammate.
Garnacho made five key passes during the game, according to Whoscored. No player on either side managed to make more.
Alejandro Garnacho lauded as Manchester United win
And speaking on The FA Cup, Theo Walcott suggested that he has been so impressed by Garnacho’s bravery and willingness to get onto the ball and make things happen.
“The thing about Garnacho I always like, he always gets into spaces where it’s hard to pick him up. He makes runs off the ball, but not just that, it’s his end product as well. There’s this passion that he shows. He’s always available for the ball. And what I like about him, he’s always positive. Everytime he gets the ball. It’s a generation of inverted wingers, but he likes to go on the outside, which I really enjoy. And he’s always leaving the full-back guessing. This here, he always creates so much space for himself. His hands are up, he’s always calling for it. He’s putting doubt in Bradley, he’s always looking over his shoulder. And again, his first thought, positive, straight at him, going to go inside, outside,” he said.
“He’s always in demand, always wants the ball. He’s got that sort of arrogance about himself to try things like [the back heel for Victor Lindelof’s effort]. It’s the sort of thing my son will be trying at home as well. The touch as well, it’s a perfect touch.
“But this is where in the 120th minute now, where he can still do it. And not just that, he seems to be faster and faster with the ball. The pass, he delays it, delays it. And of course, Amad with a fantastic finish towards the end.
“I feel like he’s got the veins of a Manchester United player. He’s a beautiful player to see.”
Winger has stepped up
In an ideal world, Manchester United would not put so much on Garnacho’s shoulders. He is still finding his way in the game. And there are times where his inexperience comes to the fore.
But obviously, this has been a really disappointing season for United. Ten Hag is still fighting to prove that he is the right man to take the club forward. And clearly, the gap between them and the top sides has increased.
Garnacho’s emergence has been one of the main positives. And while he remains a work in progress, there is absolutely no question that he is one of the players with the talent to make the difference on the biggest stages already.
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