Jamie Carragher has compared a Liverpool player to a Manchester United star, Paul Scholes, ahead of kick-off in Bournemouth against the Reds.
Arne Slot has spent big in the Premier League this summer, but Liverpool’s first test of the season was the Community Shield, which ended in disappointment.
The Reds were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace, though the real challenge lies in their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday night.
One of the players involved was Alexis Mac Allister, who had earned high praise from Jamie Carragher before kick-off.
Manchester City FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
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Jamie Carragher says Alexis MacAllister plays like Paul Scholes
Speaking before the Premier League fixture to Sky Sports, Carragher had high praise for Liverpool’s Argentine, making the bold claim he’s a bit like Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.
“MacAllister is a bit of an unsung hero in that Liverpool side,” Carragher begins.
“He’s a calming influence. He’s like maybe a but like Paul Scholes from Manchester United – sits in that midfield and just makes other players play better. Really cool, calm and collected in possession.
“I think they’ve missed something in central midfield in a couple of pre-season games, where they’ve looked a little bit vulnerable, and it’s been too easy for the opposition to play through them.
“Is that an area you’d look to strengthen as well – central midfield? I’m not sure, because I think [Dominik] Szoboszlai has done well in pre-season in that role, playing a little bit deeper.
“I think they’ve got four players for two positions – the first-choice pairing would probably be Szoboszlai and MacAllister, and then you’ve got Curtis Jones and maybe [Wataru] Endo as well to back that up.”
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MacAllister is sensational in Liverpool’s side, and will go down as one of the Premier League’s biggest ever bargains, joining in 2023 for just £35m.
Alexis MacAllister’s Premier League stats for Liverpool so far
The former Brighton man has slotted in like a glove at Anfield, particularly impressing in the Premier League, and was a staple in Slot’s title-winning side last season.
Season Matches Played Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
2024–25 35 5 5 6 0
2023–24 33 5 5 7 1
At just 26, he’ll have many more years behind him, which will delight Liverpool fans. The Reds have splashed the cash this summer, but there’s no need to replace the tenacious Argentine.
If you’re garnering comparisons to Scholes, you must be doing something right.