Image Credits: Imago Images
Argentina and Alexis Mac Allister made a statement on Tuesday night, putting five past Zambia in a commanding 5-0 friendly victory at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires — their final home fixture before the World Cup kicks off this summer.
Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions had little trouble dismantling their opponents, with Julian Alvarez opening the scoring just four minutes in before Lionel Messi added a second just before the break. A Nicolas Otamendi penalty, an own goal from Dominic Chanda, and a late Valentin Barco strike wrapped up a perfect evening.
Mac Allister, who played the first 53 minutes before making way for Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine was tidy and assured in possession as Argentina dominated the ball with 76% of possession on the night, and it was Mac Allister who provided the assist with a perfectly-weighted ball through for Messi to finish just before the interval.
It was the kind of composed, intelligent performance that the Argentine media have come to expect from the Liverpool man, though they were cautious in their praise.
Clarin gave Mac Allister a 6/10 and wrote:
“He played on the right side, an unusual position. He had intermittent encounters, some positive encounters with Messi, other times a little lost and imprecise.”
| Stat | Mac Allister vs Zambia |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 53′ |
| Assists | 1 (Messi, 43′) |
| Match Rating (FotMob) | 7.4 |
| Team Possession | 76% |
| Media Rating (Clarin / Ole) | 6/10 |
Ole also rated the Liverpool N0.10 as 6/10 and hailed his assist for Lionel Messi’s goal:
“He was not as involved as he usually is, but he was fundamental in Messi’s goal: he set up the play, moved the ball and was the support for Leo to make the wall before defining. He left in the second half to leave his place to De Paul.:
The limited minutes means that Mac Allister should arrive in good shape back from the international break, with a trip to the Etihad for the FA Cup quarterfinals awaiting Arne Slot’s men.
It was a generally positive club break for the rest of the Reds squad, with Andy Robertson even managing to set a new Scotland record.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
