By Will Butcher
Liverpool fans on Twitter were hugely impressed with former defender Brad Smith’s display for Australia on Tuesday morning.
Smith, who was sold by the Merseyside giants this summer to Premier League outfit Bournemouth for £6million, starred at left-back for the Socceroos but was unable to conjure up a 2018 World Cup qualifying win against Japan for his team.
The two sides fought out a close 1-1 draw, which included Aston Villa star Mile Jedinak converting from the penalty spot after Japan had taken the lead within the first 10 minutes.
Australian fans were treated to a lung-busting display from Smith. The 22-year-old used his electrifying pace to provide an attacking outlet on the left flank, overlapping winger Massimo Luongo are numerous occasions.
Liverpool fans were impressed with their former defender’s performance, with many ruing the decision to allow him to leave amid concerns over the form of Spaniard Alberto Moreno.
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Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Brad smith is a better left back than Moreno #Socceroos #AUSvJPN #LFC
— Kristos Kyriacou (@Kyri_1) October 11, 2016
man of the match. So fast down the pitch.👏
— Barb (@Lou1050) October 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/ThomasRLogan/status/785797513601089536
ange needs to tell brad smith to cool it on the energy drinks and caffeine. small doses
— Mick (@MDosNK) October 11, 2016
@bradsmith_94 Great performance Brad👍
— Nick (@Fof1967) October 11, 2016
Brad Smith giving us a bit of Brendan Rodgers with the "we showed character" phrase.
Long live the Brodge.
— Aidan Pauna (@aidanpauna) October 11, 2016
Not a bad result but we could have had that… Brad Smith giving his all right to the death that's good to see #AUSvsJPN
— Michael Borg⚠ (@mxborg) October 11, 2016
Brad Smith sure can run.
Cant use his right foot for anything else tho… #AUSvJPN— Nathan T (@NathanOnly) October 11, 2016
Smith found it difficult to break into the Liverpool first team after making his debut against Chelsea in 2013. He made just 11 league and cup appearances for Liverpool, scoring once and adding another two in assists.
Despite playing for England Under 21’s, Smith changed allegiance to his birth place and played for the Australia Under-23’s before making his senior debut against Belgium in 2014.
In other Liverpool news, Klopp’s side have reached an agreement on a big money three-year deal.
