Steven Gerrard has praised the form of Alexis Mac Allister early on this season, with the Liverpool midfielder wanting a new contract amid some good showings under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says Alexis Mac Allister should be handed the new contract that he craves at Anfield, with the Argentine having been in fine form over the last couple of months.
This weekend, Mac Allister opened the scoring as Liverpool won 3-1 at Crystal Palace, heading home from a Dominik Szoboszlai free kick. Throughout the game, he was tenacious in the center of the pitch and put in another strong showing for Andoni Iraola.
Gerrard believes that Mac Allister has done enough to warrant getting an extension on his deal. However, there have been no talks yet with the player, who will be approaching 30 by the time his existing contract runs down.
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"I think Alisson stops him from getting man of the match — from an outfield perspective, again, it was a consistent performance," Gerrard said on The Overlap, sponsored by Sky Bet.
"I've loved him this season. I think last year, like a lot of the Argentinian players, they had a bit of a distraction with the World Cup coming up. It’s the way they are.
"The World Cup takes over everything in their lives. And I lived that with Emiliano Martinez when I was at Aston Villa. I just think it becomes a priority.
Andoni Iraola embraces Alexis Mac Allister after Liverpool's win at Crystal Palace.
Andoni Iraola embraces Alexis Mac Allister after Liverpool's win at Crystal Palace.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
"I think it becomes a bit of a distraction. It becomes the most important thing in their lives, to be ready and not injured and make sure that the national team is the priority.
"So, I think with a lot of the Argentina players, I’m sure a lot of managers, if they watch this, will say, ‘Yeah, I’ve experienced that.’
"But in terms of what I’ve seen this season, I think Alexis Mac Allister deserves a new deal, and I want Liverpool to keep him, because he’s a clever footballer."
Mac Allister started the season out of the Liverpool starting XI but is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has overtaken Ryan Gravenberch in the pecking order and made himself one of the first picks.
"He’s a competitor, he’s aggressive, he knows the game, and his understanding of the game is top," Gerrard said. "He’s fantastic in the air for a little fella.
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"I think there’s only really Michael Owen I’ve seen, who’s a similar size, who’s probably better than him in the air, but he’s a threat at set pieces. He’s helpful defending set pieces, and he’s brave, and he just knows the game.
"He’s got a good understanding. He’s an experienced player. I wouldn’t want Liverpool to lose him now. I think he’s been key to the midfield, and I felt like Liverpool as a team were a little bit soft in the opening games of the season.
"I see a bit more fight now and a bit more spirit and a bit more of a competitive side to this Liverpool team. I think we can get better, but I’m happy with Mac Allister and his form."
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Liverpool.com says: While Mac Allister has been superb for the Reds, his age is the only thing likely to stop him penning an extension. There is not a great deal of evidence of Liverpool handing new deals to those who are 30 and above.