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Brian Owen Profile Image
Alexis Mac Allister has been in good form this seasonb (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Alexis Mac Allister has been in good form this seasonb (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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Alexis Mac Allister is back in great form as he prepares to face his old club.
And his boss reckons a high football IQ has played its part in that.
The Liverpool midfielder was below his best last season and then headed to the World Cup with Argentina, where he played in his second final.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola was putting his plans into place at Liverpool after succeeding Arne Slot in charge.
The way Mac Allister has seized a new start has impressed the former Bournemouth boss.
Iraola said: “He arrived as the last one from the national team but straight away took everything, all the information.
“I think he's smart, understands. You don't need to explain seven times the same things to Alexis.
“Some of the players get things very quickly, get information even from opposition, what we need from each team, from each position.
“And I think he helps a lot also his team-mates, because he understands the overall picture, and it's good to have him on the pitch."
Mac Allister always gets a good reception from Albion supporters, who saw him progress from being a little known signing from Argentina to a key player in the side who finished sixth in the Premier League.
Liverpool have yet to win at home in the league this season.
But they are looking to secure a fourth straight victory in all competitions as they face the Seagulls.