“It’s nice to play alongside him” - Alexis Mac Allister showers praises on 22-year-old star who is becoming an ‘important’ figure for Liverpool
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has waxed lyrical about Ryan Gravenberch who has partnered the Argentine in the middle of the park this season. The 2022 World Cup-winning midfielder has said that he is lucky to play alongside the Dutchman.
Mac Allister has suggested that he and Gravenberch are still getting used to playing together in a two-man midfield. However, he added that he is enjoying playing alongside the former Ajax and Bayern Munich star. While discussing Gravenberch's rise to prominence this season, the Argentine playmaker said on Sky Sports, as quoted by Rousing the Kop:
“We try to adapt to how they (the opponent) play as well, but I’m very lucky, I have to say, because Ryan is a fantastic player."
Mac Allister added:
“When you play with good players, everything is easier. I’m very happy that he is doing well, and I think everyone can see that and see how important Ryan is for our team."
The former Brighton & Hove Albion star concluded:
“It’s nice to play alongside him, we are trying to still adapt and learn from each other, so I really enjoy it.”
Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation for Liverpool this season with his compatriot Arne Slot showing a lot of belief in him. The 22-year-old has played every minute across competitions for the Reds this season alongside Alexis Mac Allister in a double pivot.
Gravenberch endured a difficult debut season at Anfield following his reported £34.2 million move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. The midfielder played just 1,848 minutes of football for Liverpool across competitions under Jurgen Klopp. He started only 21 games and came on as a substitute on 18 occasions last season.
Virgil van Dijk claims Liverpool star has improved under Arne Slot
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has claimed that the arrival of Arne Slot at the helm has seen Darwin Nunez get more composed. The Reds have enjoyed a solid start to life under the Dutch manager, winning won five of their first six games across competitions.
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has said that Slot has helped Darwin Nunez improve in many aspects of his game including his calmness. The Netherlands skipper said, as quoted by Rousing the Kop:
“For him, coming into a club like Liverpool with that price tag, there is always going to be pressure to produce week in, week out and he is trying to do that but it is not always that easy."
“Now, it is time for him to stay calm and I think, in my opinion, he has been doing that much better and the manager is busy with him a lot and us as players and we just have to keep him close to us and keep going."
Van Dijk also urged Nunez to work on his consistency and take his chance whenever he gets his opportunity. He added:
"He started [against Bournemouth] but he might not start the next game and we want him to be consistent and keep doing it and doing it when he comes on and when he starts."
“That’s the main thing: don’t get dragged into the positivity and then the low of the negativity or you will be dizzy at a certain point. Consistency is the key. I think he shouldn’t get carried away – but he won’t – and now is the time for him to recover and focus on the next opportunity he gets. That’s football.”
Darwin Nunez has made just one start across competitions this season against Bournemouth and found the back of the net as they won 3-0. The Uruguay international has divided opinion since his reported £85 million switch to Anfield from Benfica in 2022. He has scored 34 goals and provided 17 assists in 101 appearances for Liverpool so far.