Alberto Moreno defended by Sevilla boss Unai Emery after Liverpool lose Europa League final

Former Liverpool players have been queuing up to criticise the defender 

Simon Rice
Thursday 19 May 2016 09:31 BST
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(2016 Liverpool FC)

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Alberto Moreno, widely criticised after his performance in the Europa League final, has been defended by Sevilla boss Unai Emery.

The Liverpool left-back has been picked out as the the most at fault for Liverpool's collapse in Basel, where after taking a 1-0 lead into half-time they couldn't cope with their Spanish opponents in the second period and lost 3-1.

Moreno was particularly at fault for the first goal - which Sevilla scored just 16 seconds after the restart.

Jamie Carragher was moved to tweet: "Jurgen, transfer committee, anyone sign a f****** left back." Steve McManaman, another Liverpool legend, said: “17 seconds in and just a real lack of judgement, incredibly sloppy play by Alberto Moreno – who had an awful second half.”

Moreno also faired badly in the Independent's player ratings...

However Emery stuck up for the Spanish defender following his side's victory.

“Alberto Moreno is playing a great season for Liverpool,” insisted the Sevilla coach after leading his side to a record third straight Europa League triumph.

"And what I have seen is he is playing at a level that he can go back to the Spanish national team.

“I always see the glass half-full because he has a great offensive ability and I see him as a great offensive player rather than being a poor defender.”

Sevilla manager Unai Emery following his side's Europa victory over Liverpool
Sevilla manager Unai Emery following his side's Europa victory over Liverpool (Getty)

Emery may feel a sense of loyalty to Moreno having managed the player for a year at Sevilla.

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