Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has confessed his dissatisfaction with the start of his season, but is optimistic that a successful international break with Argentina can reignite his campaign. The 26-year-old netted twice in the first half for the world champions as they hit six against Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Mac Allister played the entire match in the international friendly, marking his first full 90-minute game since Liverpool’s win over Leicester City in April.
His previous season was cut short due to injury, and despite hopes of a pre-season return to fitness, he didn’t make a comeback until late July. As a result, he has been playing catch-up with manager Arne Slot carefully managing his minutes. However, the Argentine hasn’t been at his peak and has occasionally appeared unfit as Slot’s revamped Reds team continues to come together.
So far this season, Mac Allister has made nine appearances, starting six times in the Premier League. However, he has only managed to play beyond the 65-minute mark on two occasions.
Mac Allister acknowledges his campaign has not begun in the most promising fashion, but he is hopeful of building momentum from his recent displays for Argentina.
“I like scoring goals, but I try to do my best for the team,” he told TyC Sports after his brace against Puerto Rico. “I tried last time, but it didn’t work out.
“Scoring goals helps; it gives you confidence. Especially at a time when, personally, the season hasn’t started in the best way. This helps to continue building confidence.”
Mac Allister also turned to social media following the triumph as he set his sights on Liverpool’s forthcoming fixtures, posting on Instagram: “End of a positive tour with two goals.
“It’s always a pleasure to spend a few days with the guys from Seleccion Argentina. All focus now on Liverpool FC and the team’s upcoming matches.”
Mac Allister was not the only Liverpool midfielder finding the net on Tuesday evening, with Dominik Szoboszlai also shining for Hungary away at Portugal.
The 24-year-old delivered a goal and an assist as his injury-time leveller secured a 2-2 stalemate.
Speaking afterwards, he revealed that he attributed his own strike to fatigue as Hungary pursued a dramatic equaliser.
“I am proud of the whole team, how we fought and drove throughout the entire match,” he said. “We started well. Then there was a slight decline, but we didn’t go any further.
“But we pulled ourselves together and managed to get out of it. I can only say positive things.
“So, we are happy that we were able to get that one point from here. We’re preparing for November.”