8 months ago
129 Alexis Mac Allister made a little bit of history as Liverpool took on Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa League tonight.
Goals from the Argentine, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai handed Liverpool a 5-1 win in the first leg of the Round of 16 tie.
So, what did Alexis Mac Allister achieve for Liverpool against Sparta Prague? Let’s take a look…
Alexis Mac Allister makes – very specific – bit of history for Liverpool
Well, this is a niche statistic – albeit an interesting one.
In winning his 4th minute penalty and dispatching it himself, Mac Allister became the first player – barring Mohamed Salah – to both earn and finish a spot kick themselves since Christian Benteke back in 2016.
You may remember the Belgian winning – and scoring – a penalty against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in March 2016 to hand Liverpool a 2-1 win in the 96th minute.
Mac Allister displayed the type of tenacious pressing which Jurgen Klopp simply adores to rob Asger Sørensen of possession and draw a foul inside five minutes, which gave Liverpool the perfect start.
It was a moment emblematic of the South American, who combines gritty defensive qualities with a cool, composed style on the ball – and all for just £35m.
Liverpool blown away by Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool fans must be pleased with the Argentina international – those on the recruitment team at Anfield certainly are.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool believe they secured themselves a bargain with Mac Allister, and are delighted with their work in signing him from Brighton.
The reliable Italian journalist told Caught Offside: “My understanding is that Liverpool are super happy with how they handled this important phase of recruitment.
“Not just now, but already in September Liverpool felt they did an excellent job. Mac Allister in particular is considered an incredible signing, a bargain considering conditions of the deal.”
The Liverpool No.10 now has three goals and six assists for the Reds in 31 appearances, all while transforming Klopp’s midfield – no wonder the Reds are delighted with him.
The post Alexis Mac Allister did something tonight that only Mohamed Salah has done for Liverpool since 2016 appeared first on TBR Football.
