Alexis Mac Allister: The making of Liverpool midfielder ‘destined for the top’

Alexis Mac Allister, the talented midfielder from Argentina, achieved World Cup glory in 2022. Referee Nestor Pitana often teased Mac Allister, comparing him to Lionel Messi, eliciting laughs from the young Argentinos Juniors player. While Mac Allister’s talent may not reach Messi’s level, his undeniable ability has shone through since his debut at the age of 17 for Argentinos in Argentina’s second tier in October 2016.

As a versatile midfielder, Mac Allister played a pivotal role in securing promotion for his team, propelling him to a meteoric rise. His success led to a move to Brighton, becoming Argentinos’ second most expensive sale at £8 million in early 2019. Despite the fame, Mac Allister remained humble and largely unnoticed in his hometown. However, following Argentina’s World Cup victory, he returned to a hero’s welcome, with 15,000 fans eagerly waiting for him.

Now, Mac Allister’s journey takes an exciting turn as he joins Liverpool in a £55 million deal. Fans who have witnessed his progression from the beginning believe he is fulfilling his destiny with this move to Anfield. Argentinos’ general manager, Alejandro Roncoroni, expressed his conviction that Mac Allister was bound for greatness, envisioning him debuting for Real Madrid or a team of similar caliber.

Born into a footballing family, with his father Carlos playing alongside Diego Maradona for Argentina, and his uncle and brothers also involved in the sport, Mac Allister was destined for a career on the pitch. Even as a youngster, he assisted his father in scouting reports for Spanish side Osasuna. Joining Argentinos at the age of 12, Mac Allister quickly made a name for himself in a club renowned for producing top talents like Maradona, Riquelme, and Cambiasso.

Mac Allister’s breakthrough came under the guidance of former international defender Gabriel Heinze, whom he credits for bringing out his best and teaching him the intricacies of the game. With a standout season at Brighton, contributing to their first-ever European football qualification, he tallied an impressive 12 goals in 40 matches.

Despite initially disliking his father’s persistent shouts to “get into the box” during youth matches, Mac Allister’s playing style was inevitably influenced by the directive. Capable of playing various midfield roles, his adaptability and technical prowess make him a valuable asset for Liverpool. While he possesses the qualities of an attacking midfielder, Mac Allister’s intelligence and versatility allow him to excel in any position.

Now, it’s up to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to elevate Mac Allister’s game to new heights. Roncoroni firmly believes that Liverpool is the perfect club for Mac Allister’s development, noting the shared colors between the club and Mac Allister’s birthplace.

With his remarkable rise and move to Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister is poised to become a midfield sensation, ready to make a lasting impact on the team’s rebuilding process.

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