Fredrik Ljungberg has been critical of Atlético Madrid’s Cristian Romero for his tackle on Liverpool‘s Alexander Isak at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Reds secured a 2-1 win over Diego Simeone’s side in their first Champions League group stage fixture. Liverpool came from behind to secure three crucial points.
Incident involving Liverpool striker and Romero
Marcos Llorente gave Atlético the lead in the 17th minute before Dominik Szoboszlai scored the equaliser in the 40th minute.
A few minutes later, the Argentina international centre-back stepped on Alexander Isak’s right foot. The Sweden international went down but was able to get back up.
Fredrik Ljungberg, who played for Arsenal and West Ham United during his playing career, is now an expert for Viaplay in Sweden.
During the half-time break, he expressed his anger towards Cristian Romero for his tackle on the 26-year-old. Expressen says he was raging and have relayed his comments.
“It would have been nice if Liverpool had a (Patrick) Vieira or someone who could have crushed Romero with his style of play. I’m not that impressed,” he said.
Accuses Romero of hurting Liverpool man
Cristian Romero spent five years at Tottenham Hotspur and left them for the La Liga side in August.
Fredrik Ljungberg has been analysing Premier League matches closely for several years. He now accuses the Atlético Madrid summer signing of intentionally causing harm to his compatriot.
“I live in England. I watch an incredible amount of English football and have seen him (Romero) at Spurs. This isn’t an accident. He does this on purpose, and the referees don’t get it,” Ljungberg explained.
“I think it’s a shame. In the good old days, he wouldn’t have been able to play like that. Back then, he’d have been given such a beating.”
Alexander Isak played 88 minutes on Wednesday and assisted Alexis Mac Allister’s winner in the 50th minute.
The Swede has enjoyed a good start with Andoni Iraola’s side, scoring three goals and contributing an assist from four matches.
