Mac Allister’s Confidence in Wirtz
Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, has expressed strong confidence in his teammate Florian Wirtz, particularly following the latter’s standout performance in the recent 2-0 win over West Ham United. This match, held at the London Stadium, marked a significant return to form for Liverpool, and Wirtz’s contribution was noteworthy, especially considering he was signed for a hefty fee of £100 million ($132 million) from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer.
Wirtz’s Performance and Future Potential
Despite facing criticism for a sluggish start in the Premier League, Wirtz showcased his remarkable abilities in tight spaces during the match. Mac Allister noted that it’s just a matter of time before his contributions—goals and assists—start to materialize. Mac Allister shared his thoughts, stating:
“There’s no doubt about his quality. As I said, I think it was a really good performance from him, and hopefully, he can maintain this form moving forward.”
Praise for Isak and Team Dynamics
In addition to Wirtz, Mac Allister also praised Alexander Isak, the striker who netted his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in the match. Isak, who joined the club in a £125 million transfer from Newcastle United, has encountered challenges with form and fitness since arriving. Nonetheless, Mac Allister is optimistic that Isak is settling in well at Anfield and remarked on his character, saying:
“He’s a quiet guy who likes his space, but I try to engage him since his Spanish is pretty good. We’re all happy to have him on the team.”
Significance of the Recent Victory
Sunday’s win has propelled Liverpool into eighth place in the Premier League standings, helping to alleviate the pressure following a string of three defeats across all competitions. Mac Allister reflected on the victory’s significance as the team prepares for a grueling schedule ahead, stating that while the win is encouraging, he believes they have yet to reach their full potential:
“We need to keep working; the focus is on our upcoming match on Wednesday at home.”
He added, emphasizing that improvement is still needed, especially defensively.
Title Race Outlook
When asked about Liverpool’s chances in the title race, Mac Allister acknowledged the strong competition from teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, adjusting expectations to prioritize accumulating points and displaying the caliber of football they are capable of achieving, rather than fixating on the title itself.
