Carragher explains why Liverpool should be concerned about Mac Allister – ‘the only thing I’d say is’
Jamie Carragher labelled Alexis Mac Allister’s move to Liverpool “a steal” at £35m, though highlighted one trend that might concern Jurgen Klopp.
The Argentine, 24, is the first of many who’ll freshen up Liverpool’s midfield ranks this summer. Mac Allister was unveiled as a new Liverpool player on Thursday after completing an extremely modest £35m move.
The fee was only so low thanks to a clause in the player’s contract. Had the clause been absent, Mac Allister is likely to have commanded a similar type of fee to the £75m-£80m Brighton want for Moises Caicedo.
The Athletic recently explained why Mac Allister chose Liverpool despite a late hijack attempt from Man Utd.
Per the outlet, Jurgen Klopp’s willingness to use Mac Allister in a box-to-box role on the left side of midfield proved key.
By contrast, Mac Allister would’ve been slotted into a deeper position in the double pivot under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Mac Allister prioritised a move where he’d be allowed greater freedom to influence the game going forward.
Now, when running the rule over Liverpool’s newest recruit, Reds legend Jamie Carragher had almost all positive things to say.
Mac Allister’s ability, versatility and experience were all praised. However, Carragher suggested it’s become worryingly common for players who looked dynamite at Brighton to struggle after leaving.
“He’s certainly a good player, whether he ends up being a good signing we’ll see when the season starts,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“It looks like he can play every position in midfield which will help Liverpool, but he looks a super talent.
“Brighton are a brilliant team, but the only thing I’d say is a lot of players who’ve come out of Brighton haven’t replicated the Brighton form in other teams.
“Is that because they’re part of a special system at Brighton? De Zerbi has been fantastic this season, so that’ll be interesting to see.”
Does Carragher have a point about Brighton players?
Carragher does have a point to a degree, with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Neal Maupay all flopping after leaving the AMEX over the last two seasons.
However, for every flop in that time there has been an equal if not greater number of successes. Indeed, Ben White, Dan Burn and Leandro Trossard have all impressed since moving on.
Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, was the Championship’s second top scorer with Coventry City this season having joined from Brighton in 2021.
Looking at the bigger picture, Klopp need not share Carragher’s concerns about Brighton players and Mac Allister in particular.
Carragher calls for three more arrivals
In any case, the Sky pundit concluded by talking up Mac Allister a second time. Carragher also insisted two more midfield additions are still required as well as a new defender.
“But I do think it’s a great signing considering the price as well,” continued Carragher. “£35m is a steal for a World Cup winner and someone who’s got Premier League experience and is only 24.”
When asked what else Liverpool need this summer, Carragher insisted the midfield exits cannot stop with just Mac Allister, adding another two are needed.
Furthermore, Carragher concluded a new defender is a must – whether it be a full-back or centre-back.
On that front, Liverpool have opened talks with a Man Utd target who’d kill two birds with one stone in the backline…
READ MORE: Liverpool stun Man Utd with talks underway for clever Klopp signing at knock-down rate
