LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Alexis Mac Allister did something tonight that only Mohamed Salah has done for Liverpool since 2016

Alexis Mac Allister made a little bit of history as Liverpool took on Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa League tonight.

Goals from the Argentine, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai handed Liverpool a 5-1 win in the first leg of the Round of 16 tie.

So, what did Alexis Mac Allister achieve for Liverpool against Sparta Prague? Let’s take a look…

Alexis Mac Allister makes – very specific – bit of history for Liverpool

Well, this is a niche statistic – albeit an interesting one.

In winning his 4th minute penalty and dispatching it himself, Mac Allister became the first player – barring Mohamed Salah – to both earn and finish a spot kick themselves since Christian Benteke back in 2016.

You may remember the Belgian winning – and scoring – a penalty against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in March 2016 to hand Liverpool a 2-1 win in the 96th minute.

AC Sparta Praha v Liverpool FC: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Europa League 2023/24
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Mac Allister displayed the type of tenacious pressing which Jurgen Klopp simply adores to rob Asger Sørensen of possession and draw a foul inside five minutes, which gave Liverpool the perfect start.

It was a moment emblematic of the South American, who combines gritty defensive qualities with a cool, composed style on the ball – and all for just .

Liverpool blown away by Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool fans must be pleased with the Argentina international – those on the recruitment team at Anfield certainly are.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool believe they secured themselves a bargain with Mac Allister, and are delighted with their work in signing him from Brighton.

The reliable Italian journalist Caught Offside: “My understanding is that Liverpool are super happy with how they handled this important phase of recruitment.

FBL-EUR-C3-SPARTA-LIVERPOOL
Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images

“Not just now, but already in September Liverpool felt they did an excellent job. Mac Allister in particular is considered an incredible signing, a bargain considering conditions of the deal.”

The Liverpool No.10 now has goals and six assists for the Reds in 31 appearances, all while transforming Klopp’s midfield – no wonder the Reds are delighted with him.