'Improves what he touches' - Argentina media in awe of Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool star shines

Alexis Mac Allister was a star performer for Argentina as the Liverpool midfielder scored in their 4-1 thrashing of Brazil

Argentina might have had to do without Lionel Messi during the March international break, but that didn’t stop them from qualifying for next year’s World Cup in style. The reigning world champions won 1-0 in Uruguay before thrashing bitter-rivals Brazil 4-1 in Buenos Aires.

Brazil captain Marquinhos has apologised to the fans after an "embarrassing" display, while a number of Argentina players admitted they had been motivated by X-rated comments from Barcelona star Raphinha in the build-up to the game.

Speaking to Brazilian legend Romario ahead of the game, the Barcelona forward declared: "We are going to beat them up on and off the pitch if necessary. I am going to score. They can s*** themselves! In Argentina, you have to hit them, it hurts! They're b*******."

Alexis Mac Allister was a star performer for Argentina against the Brazilians, scoring their third goal in the emphatic win with a clever chip after running onto a cross into the box. He was later withdrawn in the 76th minute, moments after his nation had scored their fourth goal to wrap up the win.

Revelling on a night to remember, the Argentine media were blown away by the performance of the Liverpool star. The ECHO rounds up their reaction to Mac Allister’s latest star performance…

Pagina 12 gave Mac Allister a 9/10 rating, saying of the midfielder: “He was one of the most advanced players on the team, sometimes even playing as a false nine when Julián Alvarez started running all over the pitch. One of those players who is always signaling to organize the rest. Another tactical performance. He showed his technique when he connected with Enzo Fernandez's pass for the 3-1. And he didn't escape contact.”

He was handed a 7/10 rating by La Nacion, as they wrote: “He improves what he touches. Another highlight in the national team's concert of virtuoso midfielders. He assisted Paredes and broke free to exploit the gaps Brazil left in their own half. He had great intuition to storm into the opponent's box, as he did for his goal with a subtle touch. If a teammate is in trouble, Mac Allister will always appear to relieve him.”

TYC Sports also gave Mac Allister a 7/10 rating, writing: “He's such a complete player that it's hard to single out one aspect of his game; he does them all. Balance to always be in a good position, and surprise to score the 3-0 goal.”

And he received a 7/10 rating from Clarin too, as they wrote of the Liverpool star: “Perhaps the least involved of the midfielders, but an important one. He scored another goal. In the first half, the team developed to the rhythm of his short passes.”

But both Ole and Bola VIP were more generous as they dished out 9/10 and 8.5/10 ratings to Mac Allister.

The former wrote: “A tremendous run into space to connect with Enzo's assist and score Argentina's third goal, beating the goalkeeper.”

Meanwhile, the latter said: “One of the key players in a midfield that functioned perfectly. He also produced a precise finish to set up Argentina's third goal.”

They are also credited as saying: “Pure authority. Play and brilliance. Brilliant finish to make it 3-1 without looking and anticipating Bento. He never made a mistake. He has no ceiling.”