Allegri hails 'champion' Alves

Dejan Kalinic

Allegri hails 'champion' Alves image

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised "champion" Dani Alves for his impact off the bench against Porto in the Champions League.

Not long after replacing Stephan Lichtsteiner, the Brazilian full-back scored as Juve recorded a 2-0 win at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday.

Buffon's amazing run of clean sheets

Alves brought down an Alex Sandro cross before doubling Juve's lead, giving them control of the last-16 tie.

Allegri explained his decision to bring on Alves and hailed the former Barcelona defender for his attitude.

"Dani Alves replaced Lichtsteiner, who was booked when we went in front, so I had to play safe in that situation," he said.

"Alves is a champion, a guy with a great will and enthusiasm who won a lot.

"Entering in the last 20 minutes in the way he did, shows that he is an example and a very professional player."

Alves, 33, has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, having left Barca in June.

Dejan Kalinic