Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has spoken about missing out with Argentina and the responsibility of wearing the number 10 shirt for the Reds
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has expressed his frustration at being unable to feature for Argentina this month as he revealed having played through an injury problem for Liverpool this season. Mac Allister sat out the final two games of the campaign for the Reds due to a persistent minor concern which he had been nursing.
The 26-year-old has subsequently been ruled out of Argentina's World Cup qualifying double header against Chile and Colombia this month.
Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champions secured their place in next summer's finals in the United States shortly before thrashing Brazil 4-1 in March, a game in which Mac Allister scored his country's third goal.
And the Liverpool midfielder admits being not best pleased about his enforced spell on the sidelines.
"Not being on the roster infuriates me - sometimes it's a question I ask myself every day," he said. "But I've had some issues throughout the year.
"It's not a major injury; it's a minor one, but it's better to rest before it gets worse. We have the World Cup very close
"We're aware that we're in the national team. Good players always emerge, and that means we never relax and want to be here.
"The important thing is to have leaders like Scaloni, Leo (Messi), Fideo (Angel Di María) in his time, (Nicolas) Otamendi - they're players who led us on the path of continuing to try. Or Leo, who won everything and wants to keep achieving things."
Mac Allister started 30 Premier League games as the Reds romped to a record-equalling 20th championship, and totalled 49 appearances in all competitions for Arne Slot's side this season.
And speaking to Latin American sports channel DSports Radio, he said: "Winning is always the best thing; that's what matters most to me. At Liverpool and with the Argentina national team, I prioritise that.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in another World Cup; this year is going to be key. The World Cup is going to be very difficult. France and Spain are at a great level. Brazil always comes out strong at the World Cups, and even more so with (Carlo) Ancelotti (now in charge)."
Of his season at Liverpool, Mac Allister added: "Wearing the Liverpool number 10 is huge. It means a huge responsibility, both on and off the pitch. Number 10 is definitely a responsibility, but I take it in my stride.
"When you're playing, you're not constantly looking at your number, but in general I want to enjoy playing football: and I really enjoy it."