Liverpool star Alexis McAllister put in a memorable performance in Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay last night.
Marcelo Bielsa is now the manager of Uruguay and has completely transformed the team. He helped beat Brazil during the international break last month and has now led the world champions to a stunning victory.
The 68-year-old came up with a special plan to stop Mac Allister last night and it worked perfectly. Liverpool star Alexis McAllister was rated 4/10 as Argentina lost to Brazil.
Alexis McAllister has received plaudits from Liverpool and Argentina in recent months and rightly so.
But he will be the first to admit he had a disappointing performance last night. Argentina are back in 6th place.
He was very good during the international break last month, but Marcelo Bielsa exposed him last night. The Uruguay coach had a player who marked Mac Allister in the first minute of the game.
He was under pressure every time he touched the ball and it was a difficult night for the Liverpool man. Mac Allister was substituted at half-time after picking up a yellow card and TyC Sports gave him 4/10.
They wrote: “Bielsa gave him constant signals and he was never comfortable. The ball missed a bit and we lost it.
“Brondy, he came off to make way for Lautaro at half-time.”Mac Allister needs a higher level of play.
Alexis McAllister played at number six for both Liverpool and Argentina and performed very well in games dominated by his side.
But against strong opposition they can’t fully control, he tends to get out in the open, especially when he’s marked like he was last night. Slow speed is also a problem.
Liverpool face Manchester City in the Premier League and I’m sure Pep Guardiola saw Bielsa send off Mac Allister last night.
We wouldn’t be surprised if Jurgen Klopp starts Argentina at number six in this game and Guardiola uses Bielsa’s tactics to keep Mac Allister at bay.
