“I never thought he would be at that level” - Frank Leboeuf delivers glowing verdict on Liverpool star after win against Leipzig
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has lavished praise on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister following his performance against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, October 23. The Argentinian was in the thick of things as the Reds secured a 1-0 win over the German club at the Red Bull Arena in the Champions League.
A Darwin Nunez goal (27'), assisted by Mohamed Salah, helped the Premier League giants pick up all three points on the night. Mac Allister was very influential in the game, and came close to scoring after hitting the post in the 70th minute.
Speaking on ESPN FC (via rousingthekop.com) after the win, Leboeuf insisted that the 25-year-old is extremely important to Liverpool.
“The fact that Mac Allister came back in the middle of the park makes a huge change, a huge difference,” said Leboeuf.
He continued:
“He almost scored a goal as well. I really think that guy is very special when he’s in the middle of the park with Gravenberch, who really surprises me. I never thought he would be at that level. He’s a great midfielder.”
Mac Allister arrived at Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023 in a reported £35m deal. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was a huge hit under Jurgen Klopp and became one of the German manager's most trusted men.
Last season, Mac Allister registered seven goals and seven assists from 46 games across competitions for Liverpool. He has scored one goal in 12 games this season and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet under Arne Slot.
Will Liverpool invest in the midfield in 2025?
Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi over the summer. The Reds wanted to bolster their midfield and apparently had their eyes on the Spaniard.
Zubimendi is among the finest midfielders in LaLiga and the Merseyside club were convinced that he would flourish at Anfield. Unfortunately, they failed to convince the 25-year-old, who opted to stay with Real Sociedad.
Recent reports, however, have suggested that the player is frustrated by the Spanish side's form this season. Sociedad have five defeats and three wins in 12 games across comeptitions this season.
Zubimendi could be tempted to seek a new adventure next year and a move to Liverpool could appeal to him. The Reds are on a roll under Arne Slot and have won 11 of their 12 games across competitions this season. Interestingly, this is the club's best start to a season in their history.