- Alexis Mac Allister has reflected on his stunning rise through the football ranks
- In two years, he’s gone from being an unknown star to winning the World Cup
- Liverpool can’t play a weakened team that says they can’t be bothered in Europe just to be ready for Man City – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Alexis Mac Allister has said the last two years have been tough but crazy – so he makes time every day to enjoy his World Cup and Carabao Cup winners’ medals in his trophy room at home.
The Liverpool star has had a whirlwind few years after joining Brighton as an unknown quantity to most football observers in Europe but quickly asserting himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, breaking into the Argentina team and winning the World Cup.
Performances in that tournament won him vast plaudits and, coupled with fine form on the south coast as Brighton achieved European football for the first time, it earned him a £35million summer move to Liverpool.
‘The last couple of years have been crazy for me and tough at the same time,’ said Mac Allister, 25. ‘I went through difficult times but I really believed in myself, it was important to have my family around. I won a World Cup, that’s not easy!
‘And that’s of course something I feel very proud of and now I live my life in a club like Liverpool. It is amazing. Every player and every person has to go through good and bad moments. Now I’m at a time I’m really enjoying my life and I’m very happy with my career at the moment.’
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister has reflected on his rapid rise through football in recent years
The midfielder – who was an unknown quantity two years ago – won the World Cup in 2022
Mac Allister was asked if he cherishes his Carabao Cup winners’ medal alongside his World Cup gong and said: ‘The idea is to put it somewhere safe. It was a special moment for me. I’ve got it at home and I try to enjoy it every single day.’
The midfielder has forged an intrinsic relationship on and off the pitch with South American colleague Darwin Nunez, culminating in the two combining for a 99th-minute winning goal at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Mac Allister added: ‘My relationship with Darwin is very good, of course. Since the first time we met, you could see the connection between us off the pitch. On the pitch we try to be connected, when I play as an No 8 of course that connection has to be important.
‘He’s an amazing guy, he’s doing very well and he works very hard. Sometimes I hear people say that I help him a lot but htat is not true. His level is because he trains very well, and he works very hard. That’s why he’s scoring goals and that’s why he’s important for this team.
‘I have played football for a long time, even though I’m still young. The experience helps, for me it is important to think on the pitch and see where your team-mates are. Once you have the ball you have to make the decision. I don’t know if I look calm but my brain is at 200 per cent!’
