Jurgen Klopp feels “super smart” Alexis MacAllister has already exceeded expectations, citing the midfielder’s love of playing for Liverpool.
Mac Allister has emerged as a pivotal factor for the Reds in their quest for a treble this season, after his £35 million release clause at Brighton was activated last summer.
The Argentina World Cup champion began the season as an emergency defensive midfielder but has shined in recent weeks after being moved to a more familiar advanced role in the engine room, scoring four goals and assisting four times in his last eight outings.
Mac Allister is set to start when Liverpool host his former team on Sunday, as they look to reclaim the Premier League crown ahead of Manchester City’s encounter with leaders Arsenal.
When asked about the 25-year-old’s effect, Klopp responded: “Alexis is exactly the player I hoped he would be. Super smart and influential. Great man. Loves playing for Liverpool as well, which is quite essential. He creates rhythm, makes a difference, and has the ability to manage game moments.
“He’s always there, always involved, and nothing is too much for him; he’s a very outstanding player. But we had that sensation when we signed him, and he exceeded all of our expectations.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is one of those being considered by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group to succeed Klopp when the German departs at the end of the season, with Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim the favourite after Xabi Alonso confirmed his decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for the following season.
Klopp has failed to defeat De Zerbi in four attempts, with the Italian’s first game in charge of the Seagulls ending 3-3 at Anfield in October 2022. Brighton then overcame Liverpool at home in both the Premier League and the FA Cup last season, before drawing 2-2 on the South Coast early this season.
When asked why De Zerbi is so highly ranked, Klopp replied, “The way he plays. What shall I say? It is difficult to play against them. They are extremely domineering, which is impossible to achieve without proper training.
“You can’t just put the line on the wall and say, ‘That’s how we play’. There was a lot of work involved, including convincing the players because he changed so much. The way the goalkeeper must play, the way the centre halves must begin the build-up, the way the sixes and tens must move, the wingers, and everyone else. It’s an obvious idea.
“But knowing all of this doesn’t make it any easier to find a path, because there isn’t just one. The principle is the same, but the ways they may build their game are obviously different, so we have to make sure we are really on point and generate chaos from time to time – chaos can be the answer occasionally when faced with a clear plan. In other cases, we must be patient and on top of our game.
“And I enjoy how the style we’ve been playing lately makes it difficult for other teams to find a method to counter that. From a coaching perspective, it’s an all-in game. We need all of our information and expertise, and we don’t want to offer it to the players since they will become stiff when they have to move freely as well.
“And, absolutely, his influence qualifies him as a top coach. I met him four times, and he seemed to be a lovely guy. That’s all I know about the person, but I’ve seen his football team play quite a few times and can tell that he’s an excellent coach.”
