Liverpool took their season to the next level with a brilliant win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The Reds had been chugging along fantastically well under Arne Slot so far, picking up 16 wins from 18 games.
However, the visit of Real Madrid in the Champions League was set to provide a litmus test for just how good this Liverpool team really is.
Although it wasn’t always easy against Madrid – they are the champions of Europe after all – Liverpool rose to the occasion to see them off 2-0 and send Anfield into dreamland.
Key to the whole thing was Alexis Mac Allister, who kicked things off with a well taken goal in front of the Kop after 52 minutes.
That capped what was an excellent all-round midfield display from Mac Allister. And, after the game, former stars of Madrid and Man United Gareth Bale and Rio Ferdinand hailed the Argentine.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool looks to bring the ball down during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC ...
Photo by Richard Callis/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Alexis Mac Allister likened to Andrea Pirlo
Mac Allister was superb all evening for Liverpool. What a difference it makes having someone of his guile and technical ability in midfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports at full-time, Ferdinand even compared Liverpool’s No.10 to the great Italian schemer Andrea Pirlo.
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“I thought Mac Allister was one of the best players on the pitch tonight,” raved the former centre-back. “He was almost Pirlo like at times floating those passes.
“I like the looks he gives over his shoulder, his awareness, quick feet here, pops it around Bellingham and it’s good finish into the far corner.”
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“You can see he is a very technically gifted player,” added Bale.
“It’s that typical South American style. Great one two and then a great finish in the corner.”
Alexis Mac Allister set to miss next game
While it was a virtually perfect midfield performance from Mac Allister against Real Madrid, it was not quite without a blemish.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old did pick up a booking during the first-half for a trip on Arda Guler.
The yellow card means that Mac Allister will be handed a one-game suspension for Liverpool in the Champions League.
That means that after Liverpool’s enormous upcoming triple-header in the Premier League, Mac Allister will not be able to play as the Reds head to Girona for matchday six.
With Liverpool now guaranteed at least a play-off spot in the competition, perhaps that’s no bad thing.
Girona will not be underestimated by any stretch, but the Reds have now done the hard work to ensure they’ll be in the hat for the next round. They’ll have to aim for six out of six without their No.10. He’s earned his rest.
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