Alexis Mac Allister was the hero for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with the midfield ace receiving plenty of praise for his display
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates his goal to make it 2-1 during the UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 of 8 match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid
Alexis Mac Allister impressed for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid(Image: (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Jamie Carragher has praised Alexis Mac Allister for his heroics in Liverpool's win over Atletico Madrid, but he has been left far from impressed with the star's press conference from the day before.
The midfielder was this game's designated player to speak to the press, as he and the manager, Andoni Iraola, looked ahead to welcoming the Rojiblancos to Anfield.
In that press conference, Mac Allister laid all of his cards on the table, admitting that he was upset that the club had not offered him another new contract over the summer months, similar to the recent extensions for teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch over the past year. The Argentinian international also revealed that he could have left Liverpool in the transfer window, as opportunities for him to make a switch arose, though he made it clear that he wanted to stay and fight for his place in the team.
With less than two years now left on his contract with the club, it was clearly a pointed comment at the hierarchy, putting pressure on them to make a decision on the star for the coming weeks and months ahead.
For former defender Carragher, however, it was a line that was crossed by yet another Liverpool star. The pundit was critical of the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the past for their public discussions in mixed zones and press conferences about their previous contract situation, and he was yet again left annoyed by Mac Allister's comments.
That is despite Mac Allister being the one to produce heroics for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid the following day, as his strike helped earn an important three points in the Champions League, following earlier goals from Marcos Llorente and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Alexis Mac Allister was very impressive for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid.
Alexis Mac Allister was very impressive for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid.(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Speaking on CBS Sports, Carragher said: "Mac Allister, who talked the talk yesterday and today he walked the walk.
“Still doesn’t make what he did yesterday right in the press conference, but he’ll be looked on more favorably after getting the winning goal.”
While Carragher has refused to forgive Mac Allister for those comments, the midfielder perhaps showed exactly why he has been frustrated with his own situation, but also why he decided to stay at the club.
The 27-year-old struggled last season to find his best form, but there is some hope that the introduction of new boss Iraola will help him rediscover some of his quality.
The Atletico Madrid match is certainly an early indication of that, though there is still some work to be done to stay in the starting lineup every week.
It remains to be seen whether this match will be the catalyst for Mac Allister to kick on and earn that contract extension, or whether it's another peak for a player that Liverpool needs to find more consistency out of. Only he can perform and show which path he has taken.