Manchester United had a lot of heroes on the pitch as they beat Liverpool on Monday night, to earn their first points of the new season, but Tyrell Malacia was one player who really stood out.
There was surprise on Monday night when Erik ten Hag's side to face Liverpool was announced an hour before kick off, with Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo both reduced to substitute roles, the latter hilariously annoying Piers Morgan.
Advert
Certainly the level of happiness was different for each of those names not starting but the reaction allowed one other change to go by without too much notice.
Left back Malacia, who signed in the summer from Feyenoord, was handed his first Premier League start and given the task to keep Mohamed Salah quiet.
The 23-year-old looked to the manner born and was in excellent form throughout the night, leading to him getting his own highlights compilation, and it's easy to see why.
Unsurprisingly United fans were extremely pleased with how the full back did, with many even comparing him to Old Trafford cult hero Patrice Evra.
Advert
"Really well done from the youngster the kid almost has infinite energy he did well recovering from his mistakes and defended well and locked up who many consider the best in the world, Salah," one fan said.
"Tyrell Malacia reminds me of Evra. The young man looked comfortable against Salah," another pointed out, once again mentioning how the newbie came up against the Egyptian.
And the Evra comparisons continued, "Malacia is a good buy. The guy is giving Evra vibes," a third said.
One thinks the performance is the end of Luke Shaw, saying, "Luke Shaw is never seeing the starting XI ever again not after this Tyrell Malacia masterclass. Nah Patrice Evra is back at Old Trafford, Damm!!!"
Advert
As well as Salah, the Netherlands international was also in direct competition with Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool full back's frailties were once again on show.
Advert
It has not been a good start to the season for the Reds' right back, who has been considered the best in his position previously but mainly for his attacking work, and he's made several errors in recent months.
He wasn't the only member of Jurgen Klopp's side to be on the end of a barrage of criticism either, with Jordan Henderson's performance also scrutinised.
The Premier League runners up were beset by injuries, weakening their midfield, but Henderson has been a continued presence in the middle of the park throughout Klopp's time at Anfield.
Things were looking much rosier for the hosts, who leapfrogged their rivals by winning, with Malacia's fellow new signing Lisandro Martinez also shining, just a week after he'd been substituted at half time against Brentford.
Topics: Manchester United, Tyrell Malacia, Liverpool, Premier League