Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was ciritcised my Argentine media for his performance against Ecuador (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister has become a point of discussion for the Argentine media after his performance against Ecuador.
The World Cup winner has been held up to scrutiny as many media outlets weren’t happy with his presentation. La Albiceleste lost their latest match-up in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as the game ended 1-0.
It was an easy round of football as the team led by Lionel Messi finished nine points clear at the top of the South American qualifications.
The team played 18 games, garnering 38 points by the end of the campaign. Argentina lost four times and drew twice, with twelve wins in their bag.
La Albiceleste secured the spot after defeating Venezuela in the previous week. The game ended 3-0 as captain Messi almost scored a hat-trick.
Alexis Mac Allister, however, wasn’t present for the match as coach Lionel Scaloni explained that the Liverpool midfielder hadn’t trained enough since the international break.
Allister faced travel issues while returning home. The Argentine international was supposed to land in Amsterdam and then move on to Argentina.
However, internal issues at KLM meant the footballer was diverted to Paris and later reached his motherland. Mac Allister’s late arrival ended up affecting his training time with the team.
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Argentine media criticise Liverpool star’s performance against Ecuador
Following the loss, the Argentine media has reacted in a negative fashion, considering Alexis Mac Allister’s performance against Ecuador.
Ole reported, “He played after being absent against Venezuela. He started a little further forward, but he wasn’t convincing and didn’t make an impact on the game.”
TyC Sports was a bit generous as the media outlet rated the midfielder’s performance better, “He played as a midfielder until Paredes’ departure. He wanted to play as a central midfielder, sometimes in 1-on-1 situations, becoming the focal point of the game.”
Clarin rated him 4/10, “He was the most advanced of the midfielders Scaloni deployed. For several periods, he even seemed like an additional striker, just a few meters behind Lautaro Martínez.”
“However, he was imprecise and lacked attacking prowess. He barely made any significant interventions for a team that constantly needs him.”
La Nacion claimed the same number, “In a system with Lautaro as the sole striker, Alexis started as an enganche (playmaker), a position he’s familiar with but doesn’t frequently occupy for the national team.”
“He couldn’t be a key player in the passing circuit; the ball rarely passed through his feet. He dropped back when Argentina were reduced to 10 men and moved into the No. 5 role after De Paul’s departure. Argentina missed his aggressive passing and pace in getting into the box.”
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