Munoz singles out Mac Allister as key ally in candid verdict on Premier League physicality

Victor Munoz has described the physicality of the Premier League as the biggest shock of his early Liverpool career, while singling out Alexis Mac Allister as the team-mate who has proved most valuable since his £34.5m summer arrival from Osasuna.

The 23-year-old Spaniard was Liverpool’s first signing of the summer window, his release clause triggered quickly despite reported interest from other English clubs. He has made five appearances across all competitions so far, winning a penalty on his debut in the opening 2-2 draw against Newcastle United and scoring a late equaliser against Nottingham Forest in August.

“Alexis Mac Allister is helping me a lot,” Munoz told Spanish publication AS. “As is [Giorgi] Mamardashvili. I’ve also been getting along very well with Ronald Araujo since he arrived. Since I don’t speak much of the language, everyone tries their best to help me and having someone like Mac Allister by my side, with everything he represents here, is proving very beneficial. I’m very grateful.”

Munoz was candid about the contrast between Spanish and English football, pointing to the relentless tempo and physical power of Premier League opponents as something he had not fully anticipated. “The level of play in England is extremely high. Every match is different and any opponent can seriously hurt you,” he said. “What has surprised me most, by far, is the physical level of all the teams. In Spain, the game is more positional and tactical, whilst here it’s constant back-and-forth. The matches are much crazier and all the teams have very physically powerful players.”

Despite the adjustment, the winger insists he is enjoying life under Andoni Iraola and remains optimistic about the direction of the squad. “I came here full of enthusiasm and hoping everything would go well. Luckily it has,” he said. “We’re on an upward trajectory, trying to follow the manager’s plan and it’s just a matter of time before we take off.”

Munoz also reflected on his first experience of the Anfield atmosphere, acknowledging that no amount of prior warning could have fully prepared him. “You can’t really explain it until you experience it,” he said. “It’s incredible how passionately our fans live and breathe football. Just hearing the anthem and everyone singing it gives you goosebumps. As soon as it’s over, you leave with extra motivation.”