Alexis Mac Allister to lead Arne Slot era at Liverpool after what happened overnight
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister proved his worth to Arne Slot as Argentina beat Ecuador to advance to the Copa America semi-finals.
Argentina needed penalties to beat Ecuador overnight on Friday (July 5) after Kevin Rodriguez stunned the favourites with a 91-minute equaliser.
Mac Allister flicked a corner onto the head of Lisandro Martinez to give his side the lead in the 35th minute.
He has continued his club form into the Copa America as he aims to win his third trophy with his national team.
Alexis Mac Allister can be main man for Arne Slot’s Liverpool
Liverpool arguably completed the signing of the summer when they activated Mac Allister’s £35million release clause from Brighton last year.
The 25-year-old spent the season mostly as a makeshift number six but showed his quality when utilised further up the pitch.
He notched seven goals and seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for the Reds last term.
But five goals and six assists came from his selection as a number eight [Transfermarkt].
Playing in the same position for Argentina, he is running the show again for his side.
He recorded one key pass that created the one big chance needed to assist La Albiceleste’s only goal of the game against Ecuador [WhoScored].
That was his second assist in three games at Copa America as he averages one key pass per 90, as per Sofascore.
The World Cup winner completed 90 per cent of his passes and averages the same amount across the tournament.
He also proved his nerve by scoring the third penalty of the shootout against Ecuador.
His defensive work for Argentina has been impressive too – he made four tackles and one interception against Ecuador and has averaged eight ball recoveries per match so far [SofaScore].
There are only so many superlatives to be used that can describe Mac Allister as a player.
Slot will be watching as he keeps tabs on his inherited squad during Copa America and Euro 2024.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot has tough Liverpool transfer decision to make after what Alisson did.
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