Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has shared his thoughts on the dreadful challenge from James Tarkowski that might have resulted in a severe injury.
The Argentine midfielder was taken aback by the expression on Everton's Tarkowski's face as he committed to a reckless tackle during the tight-fought 1-0 Merseyside derby win in April. Despite the severity of the challenge, Tarkowski received only a yellow card and offered an apology to Mac Allister post-match.
In an interview back home in Argentina, Mac Allister recounted: "It could have broken my leg twice! That they didn't send him (Tarkowski) off was incredible. If I'd had my foot planted on the ground, it would have broken my leg completely.
"At the time, I realised it was too strong. But what shocked me most was his face when he went for the tackle.
I wouldn't say he was going to try to break me, but I feel I was lucky given the way he went in."
Throughout the season, Mac Allister stood out as a crucial player for Arne Slot's side as they clinched the Premier League title. Yet, due to injury, he missed the chance to represent Argentina in World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Mac Allister also singled out Manchester City’s Jack Grealish this week as the top provocateur of the league, confessing players "feel like kicking him."
Everton's James Tarkowski challenges Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister which results in a yellow card for the Everton player during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Wednesday April 2, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
Tarkowski avoided a red card for his challenge (Image: PA)
Further commenting on Grealish's antics, he implied that the 29-year-old tends to exaggerate when fouled, mentioning their first encounter while he played for Brighton and Grealish represented Aston Villa.
"Grealish - you feel like kicking him," the Argentine stated. "But even when you do, he gets right back up. And somehow, that makes you feel like you're winning!"