Gary Lineker singled out Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool‘s unsung hero after the Argentina maestro starred — and scored — in Sunday’s crowning victory over Tottenham.
The Reds fell behind to an early Dominic Solanke header but then scored five without reply to secure the championship, with Mac Allister‘s first-half strike from distance the pick of the bunch.
The 26-year-old collected the ball on the edge of Tottenham’s area and shifted the ball onto his weaker left foot, slamming the ball into the top of Guglielmo Vicario’s net.
Mac Allister has been a mainstay for the Reds this season, making 47 appearances in all competitions — just one fewer than Mohamed Salah, who has made the most with 48 — and Lineker hailed the former Brighton star’s influence.
“I think at the start of the season, everyone was going, ‘well, we’re not sure [about how well Liverpool will do this season]. They’re not strengthening their midfield,'” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “But the way he [Slot] has got them to work in there and, you know, he’s rotated at times between some of the players.
“But perhaps one goes under the radar a little bit as one of those unsung heroes: Mac Allister. What a consistent performer he is. And he’s got a special goal in him. What a hit that was as well against Tottenham today.”
Premier League legend Alan Shearer concurred with Lineker’s take on Liverpool’s midfield, adding: “The midfield’s been a powerhouse. When you consider that they were in for [Martin] Zubimendi at the beginning of the season, didn’t sign him for whatever reason, but their midfield has been one of their strengths. They’ve been absolutely brilliant in those positions.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Mac Allister himself, meanwhile, spoke after Liverpool’s status as champion was confirmed and suggested that the title win was proof that he had made the correct call in joining the Reds in 2023.
“It is an achievement that I really enjoyed but it would not be possible without my teammates,” Mac Allister said. “They are really important to me, and I am just one part of the puzzle.
“This team is really good. Last year, we showed it, but it was not enough in the end. This time, we made a big difference, and we can enjoy it. I am really enjoying my time here. It was the right decision and I always thank Jurgen [Klopp] because he was a really important part and Julian Ward (Liverpool’s former sporting director, who is now the club’s technical director) as well.”
