Alexis Mac Allister is now a Liverpool player as Jurgen Klopp seals his first signing of the summer transfer window.
As was the case last summer, the Reds are going about their business early doors and are off to a promising start as regards recruitment. Mac Allister's versatile nature and goalscoring threat makes him a perfect addition to a midfield in need of a revamp.
The rise of the 24-year-old has been well-documented, having burst into life at Brighton before playing a starring role in his country lifting the World Cup in November. His journey will now continue on Merseyside as he aims to help the club return to challenging for trophies next season.
Liverpool fans are, understandably, thrilled to see Mac Allister on his way to Anfield, but how is this transfer viewing in the player's homeland? We spoke to Argentinian sports journalist Rosario Pompizzi (@RosarioPompizzi) to find out
DONE DEAL: Liverpool sign Alexis Mac Allister as transfer plan turns to next targets
LIVE: Alexis Mac Allister signing reaction as Liverpool transfer plan turns to new targets
When did you first hear about Alexis Mac Allister?
In Argentina we know the Mac Allister surname very well as his father was a significant player in the Argentine football league, and also his uncle was a professional player. Like his two brothers, Alexis started his career at Argentinos Juniors Club so we have known about them since their first steps in football. In fact, his brothers keep playing here.
How was Mac Allister viewed during his time at Argentinos Juniors and his loan with Boca Juniors?
Alexis first came to prominence in the 2018/2019 season, when he began to evolve in his game style. He positioned where he feels most comfortable: as a link between the midfielders and the strikers. He describes himself as an “enganche”, a position that disappeared in modern soccer and that it is highly valued in Argentina. Alexis left a great mark at Argentinos Juniors, but Boca could not enjoy his talent simply because his time there was short-lived. He left the club with the desire to play a little bit longer and maybe a constant wish of getting more prizes. However he won the 2019/2020 Argentine Super-League.
During his time at Brighton, were people in Argentina following his progress much or was he someone people were still not very aware of?
In Argentina, we are high consumers of the Premier League and the players from our country do not go unnoticed. We are enormously proud to have Argentine players in the best league in the world.
Was it a surprise to see him recalled to the national team in 2022, having not played for Argentina for two-and-a-half years and left out of the Copa America squad in 2021?
Although many may think so, I personally did not see it that way since he had already been part of the qualification process for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. In addition, after the Copa América 2021 he played the Olympic Games with the Argentina Under-23 National Team in Japan.
Furthermore, Giovani Lo Celso's injury during the World Cup opened a door for him and he took advantage of the opportunity and performed brilliantly.
Mac Allister was a standout player during the World Cup. How is he now viewed in your country after helping Argentina to the Copa Mundial?
Each player who became world champion has a place in the hearts of Argentine supporters. Getting this achievement lifted them to a level of absolute recognition and adoration and, of course, Mac Allister is no exception.
How excited are you to see him play for Liverpool. Is this a transfer that will make many Argentinians proud?
Jürgen Klopp chooses players that are 'at the level' of Liverpool, with a special imprint. Alexis is pure humility, a silent warrior, he makes the difference on the pitch. His recent arrival has generated a combination of emotions for me: joy, satisfaction, pride, enthusiasm and expectation.
Liverpool is an appreciated and respected club in Argentina. It has generated empathy. Besides, there are many Liverpool fans, and not only here, but also in all of Latin America.
What are your expectations for Mac Allister in the coming years? How important will he become for the national team, especially as Messi continues to get older.
Alexis is the future, for Liverpool and the Argentine national team. He is ready to grow even more, to be empowered and thereby shine in this club as well as in his country.
READ NEXT:
