There is a very good reason Liverpool are heading into the season as favourites to retain their Premier League crown.
The Reds won the league at a canter last term and begin their campaign at home against Bournemouth on Friday night.
They do so having added to their squad over the summer break, a squad which was already packed with so much talent.
Since his arrival in 2023, Alexis Mac Allister has developed into one of the absolutely key men within the Liverpool squad.
Mac Allister was nominated for the Ballon d’Or recently, having gone up several levels since joining Liverpool.
And while some may have been surprised at just how good the Argentine has been with the Reds, Mac Allister himself has admitted to being shocked by the level of one of his teammates following his transfer.
Alisson Becker in action during the 2025 Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Alexis Mac Allister stunned at Alisson Becker level
Although it was some step up for Mac Allister from Brighton to Liverpool two years ago, he could not have handled it more smoothly.
In fairness, the then 24-year-old was already a World Cup winner with Argentina and was well on his way to becoming one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
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But, according to Mac Allister, he did not believe the hype surrounding Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Writing an eye-opening piece for The Players’ Tribune, the No. 10 admits he has since been completely won over by the Brazilian.
“Alisson is the peacemaker of all arguments. We joke with him that he is perfect,” says Mac Allister while joking about Darwin Nunez’s barbecuing skills.
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“He’s never done anything wrong. Perfect hair. Perfect family. Perfect keeper. F***! It’s annoying!
“I tell him, “You know, when I was at Brighton, I didn’t understand what the hype was all about. I didn’t really rate you. Now…… damn. I have to admit, you’re the best. Well…. OK, you, Dibu and Courtois!””
Mac Allister hails Mohamed Salah professionalism
As well as hailing the standard set by Alisson, Mac Allister dedicates a segment of his article to Mohamed Salah.
“Oh, it’s just football.”
“How can we say that ever again?”
Alexis Mac Allister on winning a World Cup for @Argentina, the brotherhood of @LFC, and the legacy of Diogo. ❤️ https://t.co/XZUAcHss8D
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) August 14, 2025
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“When I first arrived, I tried to compete with him. I thought: OK, the guy is 31. I’m 24. Let’s do some abs,” says the midfielder.
“Damn …. I think I did three sessions with Mo before I gave up. I would wake up the next morning, and I was so sore I could barely sit up in bed. Hahahah.
“Mo sets the tone for everyone at Liverpool. He is the best professional I’ve ever seen. He’s a monster.”
Given Mac Allister calls a certain Lionel Messi a close teammate with Argentina, this is some level of praise. We are witnessing greatness week after week from the Egyptian King.