Former Liverpool star Paul Ince has lavished praise on Alexis Mac Allister after the World Cup winner stepped up to score the penalty which saw Brighton beat Manchester United.
The Seagulls earned an injury-time spot-kick after Luke Shaw committed a handball in the box, with referee Andre Marriner pointing to the spot after checking the pitchside VAR screen. Mac Allister was the man to take the penalty and he confidently fired past David de Gea.
It was a crucial win for Brighton, who hold hopes of overtaking Liverpool to claim the final Europa League qualification spot. But while they may take that place off the Reds, the Seagulls could find themselves coming under threat from Jurgen Klopp's side.
Mac Allister has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window. And Ince, who spent two years at Anfield, has highlighted how the Argentine would be an assett in Klopp's squad.
"For me, it’s not just about the goal. Watching you play tonight, it’s your work rate, your passing ability, you’re just an all-round player, you know?" Ince said as he interviewed Mac Allister on Sky Sports.
"Me and Jamie [Redknapp] have played in midfield and we just loved watching you play because everything you do, you do it correctly. You get back, you get up, you get down, you score goals. It was lovely to watch you play today."
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Ince continued to gush over the 24-year-old after the interview had ended and Mac Allister returned to the dressing room. But the former England international warned him about moving in the summer.
"We were standing next to a World Cup winner. Someone who scored in the last minute against Manchester United, but he’s so humble. He’s talking about the young South American kids that he wants to look after - and he’s young himself," Ince added.
"But, it’s not about him, it’s about the team ethic and he works within that. He’s happy to tow the line, he’s happy to do the dirty bit of football, but he’s also a very, very talented player.
"The only worry for me, we sat here before the game and spoke to Paul Barber about clubs coming in for players who are playing well, and he’s going to be one of those. He’s gonna be one of those players that clubs are looking at, I hate to say it but I think he could be one of those."
Mac Allister was delighted to help Brighton exact revenge for being beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals by United. He said: "It was similar to Wembley. I was a little nervous, it is the last minute, but I am very happy for the team.
"It is easy to play in this team. My teammates are fantastic so it is down to them as well. They help me to be a better player every day. I have been here 3 1/2 years and I am very grateful for what this club has given me. I am very happy to be here."
