New Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie has showed he is already up for the challenge of battling Liverpool after clashing with a furious Alexis Mac Allister on international duty.
Hincapie completed a deadline day move to Arsenal last week, joining on an initial loan deal with a £42million option to make the switch permanent next summer.
The defender has been in action for Ecuador over the international break, with the nation earning a 0-0 draw with Paraguay last week.
Hincapie helped Ecuador keeping another clean sheet on Tuesday night – their fifth consecutive in qualification – as they earned a 1-0 victory over reigning world champions Argentina.
He played the full match at left back as Ecuador beat Argentina for the first time in a decade, and he will have endeared himself to Arsenal fans by clashing with Liverpool star Mac Allister.
Mac Allister appeared incensed with Hincapie, following a challenge on Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono in second half stoppage.
New Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie clashed with Alexis Mac Allister on international duty
The Ecuador defender stood his ground after Mac Allister raged at him following a challenge
Hincapie helped Ecuador earned a 1-0 victory over Argentina in their World Cup qualifier
Manchester City
Manchester United
*18+, excludes NI. Terms and conditions apply
The Argentina and Liverpool midfielder was seen barging into the side of Hincapie, before ranting and wagging his finger at the defender in protest at his challenge.
Hincapie refused to back down and was seen pointing at Mac Allister in response as he appeared to defend his challenge.
Arsenal fans warmed to Hincapie’s actions with the Gunners aiming to battle reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in the title race this season.
Supporters already highlighted his overall performance against Argentina, where he made three clearances, two interceptions and tackles, and won two of his three aerial duels.
‘Hincapie will fit well in the prem, he’s already having a beef with Macallister,’ one fan said.
‘I like Hincapié from what I’ve seen. Will be a huge success for us. Appears to be a firm player and a gent at the same time. MacAllister behaving like a petulant child here,’ another wrote.
‘Hincapie and Gabriel left hand side is complete lockdown. Both would die for a clean sheet,’ a third said.
Hincapie has helped Ecuador seal a World Cup spot having conceded five goals in 18 games
The defender joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan before the international break
Hincapie has been a vital part of an Ecuador defence which has conceded just five goals in their 18 matches in World Cup qualifying.
Ecuador finished second in the South American qualification standings, behind only Argentina, to book their place at next summer’s tournament.
Hincapie will face a short turnaround as he targets making his Premier League debut for Arsenal, with the Gunners hosting Nottingham Forest in the Saturday lunchtime kick off.
Arsenal will start the match in third place in the Premier League, after suffering a 1-0 defeat to leaders Liverpool ahead of the international break.
