The no-look assist is one of the most impressive moves in football, and Liverpool were the rare beneficiaries of such a moment in a vital Capital One Cup fixture thanks to midfielder Joe Allen.
On the play in question, a superb pass from James Milner was picked out by Adam Lallana – who managed to beat the offside trap far too easily – and the former Southampton star was able to race to the byline and cut it back for Allen. The Welshman comically mishit it, but it rather fortunately fell to Ibe. The youngster took a decent first touch, before smashing it into the far corner to give the Reds the lead.
While the play was apparently accidental, fans were quick to dub their new hero the ‘Welsh Xavi‘ – a name once given to him by former manager Brendan Rodgers in homage to the Barcelona legend.
The Welsh Xavi with an incredible assist. Puts Neymar to shame. Joe Allen is the man. #STOLIV
— Andy Horton (@itsandyhorton) January 5, 2016
About time Joe Allen stepped up to that “Welsh Xavi” tag. #thatassist #lfc #CapitalOneCup — Jordan Nolan (@JordanNolan23) January 5, 2016
Liverpool won the match 1-0, but left Britannia Stadium in pain with significant injury losses, specifically to star winger Philippe Coutinho.
Joe Allen really showing why he’s the Welsh Xavi with that no look pass
— David Percival (@davidpercival5) January 5, 2016
The Welsh Xavi with an incredible assist. Puts Neymar to shame. Joe Allen is the man. #STOLIV
— Andy Horton (@itsandyhorton) January 5, 2016
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