Liverpool’s home turf is one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums to play at, as far as visiting teams are concerned.
And if that wasn’t already a piece of common knowledge, James Maddison’s claim about Anfield should put to bed any notions suggesting otherwise.
The Reds entertained visiting Leicester City for a quarter-final draw of the Carabao Cup.
Maddison scored Leicester’s third goal with a long-range strike to make it 3-1 in the Foxes favour, before Liverpool came from behind to finish off at 3-3, leading to a penalty shootout which Leicester eventually lost.
Following his team’s defeat, Maddison took to Instagram and made a shocking claim, one which presumably didn’t go down well with his own fans.
“Cruel end to a great game at the stadium with the best atmosphere in England,” wrote the 25-year-old midfielder.
It wouldn’t have been a surprising claim had it come from a Liverpool player, but coming from a player in Blue, that, too, on the back of a defeat was unanticipated, to say the least.
There’s no denying that Anfield’s atmosphere is special and second to none.
And last night’s rapturous ambience was all the more special mainly because of local Red supporters who didn’t make the fixture seem like a commonplace league cup affair.
Bereft of tourist supporters, Liverpudlians jam-packed the stadium and inspired their team towards yet another memorable comeback.
In fact, the atmosphere around the stadium was so enlivening that it almost felt like a European game was underway, as rightly pointed out by many impressed fans on Twitter.
Just shows you what happens when you get more local kids in. Anfield was feral 2nd half. Magnificent
— Kennyboyneil (@kennyboyneil) December 22, 2021
Anfield is the only stadium in the world that could make a League Cup game v Leicester feel like a European night against Barca or Madrid
— – (@Jt99x) December 22, 2021
That had the atmosphere of a European knockout game 😂
— Keegz (@ScouserCPT) December 22, 2021
From the kickoff in the second half there was no way we were going to lose that match. It just had the energy of one of those nights under lights at Anfield. #LIVLEI #CarabaoCup
The Anfield Crowd was unreal Tonight! Felt like a European Night.#YNWA #LFC
— Emperor Epiphany (@Lexxyskull) December 22, 2021
Having secured a semi-final berth, Liverpool will now face Arsenal as Jurgen Klopp will look to add the elusive League Cup trophy under his belt.