“A player we’ve known for a long time” - Jurgen Klopp explains qualities Alexis Mac Allister brings to Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given a glowing verdict of the club's new signing Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister has joined the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion for a mere £35 million. The 24-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, helping the Seagulls seal UEFA Europa League football and winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar last year.

Klopp has explained the type of midfielder Mac Allister is as he heads to Anfield on a five-year deal. The Liverpool boss said (via the club's website):

“We are adding a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled boy to our squad, and this is super news, really it is."

The German coach continued by lauding Mac Allister's versatility and in-game intelligence:

"I do not think the football world needs me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities because they are already pretty well known, but it is clear that he is someone who can play in a number of positions in midfield and is an all-rounder, I would say. He is calm and composed and someone with proper game intelligence.”

Mac Allister arrived at Brighton two years ago from Argentinian side Boca Juniors. He made 112 appearances at the Amex, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists.

The midfielder's stock grew with the Seagulls as he soon broke into La Abiceleste fold. He has earned 16 caps for Argentina, scoring once. He also provided an assist for Angel Di Maria's opener in their World Cup final win over France.

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Mac Allister takes legendary No. 10 shirt at Liverpool

Sadio Mane last wore the shirt number for Liverpool.

Mac Allister has big shoes to fill as he has been handed the No. 10 shirt by the Reds.

Sadio Mane was the last player to don the No. 10 at Anfield, where he thrived during a six-year stint. The Senegalese attacker scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists in 269 appearances, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

John Barnes, Michael Owen and Luis Garcia have also worn the No. 10 for Liverpool. The trio were fan-favorites at the Merseyside giants. Mac Allister wore the No. 10 at Brighton, where he impressed. He wears the No. 20 for Argentina, as his legendary teammate Lionel Messi dons the No. 10 there.