"Not worth 2 pounds": former Egypt star scathing verdict on Liverpool and Manchester City

11.10.26 FT English Premier League

Liverpool

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Manchester City

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Former Egyptian international and prominent sports analyst Mohamed Aboutrika delivered a scathing assessment of the highly anticipated Matchday 6 Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, comparing the billion pound squad values on the pitch to a "two pound" performance following a dismal opening half.

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A billion-pound roster producing "Headbutts & Knocks"

Working as a studio pundit for beIN Sports, Aboutrika did not mince words when evaluating the tactical stalemate overseen by referee Chris Kavanagh.

The match, marking the first fixture for both sides after the international break and City's first outing since their historic financial conviction, failed to live up to its staggering financial billing.

"The value of the two squads is £2 billion but this half wasn't even worth £2" Aboutrika quipped highlighting the immense gap between the players' market valuations and their on pitch execution.

Despite this immense concentration of talent, Aboutrika noted severe tactical paralysis. "Both teams are extremely conservative. For Liverpool, Bradley Barcola cannot complete a dribble and Florian Wirtz's passes are constantly intercepted" the pundit observed.

"The only player you could say performed was (Matheus) Nunes for Manchester City. Meanwhile, Haaland touched the ball in his own penalty area more than in Liverpool's. The 45 minute were just headbutts and knocks without any real chances from either team".

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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English Premier League