Alexis Mac Allister interview: Beating Real Madrid, playing with Salah, Messi’s future

Four months on from Arne Slot’s first game in charge, things could hardly be going any better for Liverpool. The Reds are top of the table in both the Premier League and the Champions League, challenging for major silverware in the new man’s first season at Anfield.

Central to Slot’s early success has been Alexis Mac Allister, the metronomic midfielder who has developed into a key player for club and country. The 25-year-old has started in all but two Premier League and Champions League games as Slot’s team mount a charge on on all fronts. After statement wins over Real Madrid and Manchester City, Mac Allister sat down with AS to reflect on a red-hot start to the 2024/25 season.

“We were coming from a long process with Jürgen Klopp, where the main ideas were already established. Basically, Arne Slot has not come to change everything, but to add his methodology to what we were already working on."

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Nevertheless, there has been a clear shift away from the relentlessly high-pressing style of play favoured by Klopp. The Liverpool of Slot has been more considered in possession, able to take the sting out of games and preserve their energies. For a play-playing midfielder like Mac Allister, his role in the team has become even more crucial.

"The biggest difference, or what we have added, has been patience when we have the ball. That is the biggest difference at the moment. Now, we have more of the ball, which allows us to create more scoring chances. The team feels very comfortable and is doing very well, as seen against Real Madrid in the Champions League and against Manchester City in the Premier League. That makes you more confident and makes us see that we can compete against any team."

Mac Allister on statement Real Madrid victory

Real Madrid have not found form so far this season but as reigning Spanish and European champions, any meeting with LaLiga giants has the potential to be a landmark occasion. That’s exactly how it felt when Mac Allister’s Liverpool beat Madrid in late December, cruising to a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

Mac Allister played and scored against Madrid as Liverpool reiterated their status as genuine contenders for European soccer’s crown. They followed that up with a 2-0 win against Manchester City later that week. Those two games, Mac Allister believes, can set the tone for the remainder of the season.

"We knew we were going to play against two of the best teams in the world, the ones that have dominated Europe in recent years. For us it was a challenge to show that we can compete and win. We did it in the best way and playing at Anfield helped us a bit because we had our people. I’m happy with both games and especially with both results, but this is football and now we have to think about the next game."

“It was a nice to score a goal against [Real Madrid]. For me, Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world. It was special to play against them and score a goal on a Champions League night that I really enjoyed. Now, I want more."

Mac Allister on Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future

There has been no shortage of impressive performers during the early months of Slot’s time at Anfield, but the incredible output of Mohamed Salah has turbo-charged the Reds' title push. The Egyptian is out of contract next summer but the uncertainty of his situation doesn’t seem to be affecting the on-field performances. For Mac Allister, Salah’s importance to the team extends beyond the goals and assists.

“He inspires us a lot, on and off the pitch. He is an example of hard work and dedication, always looking to give his best. He is a very hard-working person who gives everything to play football."

“On the pitch you can see it: Salah has that personality of always going for more, and when you have him by your side, you know he is a player who will give you assists or score goals. I hope he can continue like this, because he is one of the most important players for our team.”

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And on the all-important question - Salah’s Liverpool future - Mac Allister is pretty unambiguous about his desire to see the Egyptian re-sign with the club. He may now be 32 but Salah’s influence is undeniable and his importance unparalleled in the Liverpool squad.

“I hope he can stay at Liverpool next year. I want the negotiations to be successful. He seems happy here; he is a legend at the club. It would be ideal if he could finish his career here, but these are very personal decisions and it also depends on the club making its analysis or making a decision."

Mac Allister on Lionel Messi and Argentina

Although he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019, Mac Allister did not become a regular Premier League starter until the second half of the 2020/21 season. He established himself as one of the league’s best young midfielders at the Amex Stadium but it was his performances with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup that really catapulted him to global attention.

Asked about his journey with the Argentinian national team, Mac Allister cites the 2022 triumph as a transformative moment in his career.

"The World Cup in Qatar gave me a place in this team. I feel comfortable with the style of play that has always been a characteristic of Argentina. That is, always trying to keep the ball as much as possible and connect through passing. My role may be a little different, as sometimes I am defensive and other times offensive, but I am proud of what I have achieved. Winning a World Cup is the best."

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That success would be the highlight of any player’s career but Argentina’s 2022 victory holds special importance for Mac Allister and his compatriots. It was Lionel Messi’s fifth attempt at claiming soccer’s greatest prize and the previous four had all ended in heartbreak. For Mac Allister, being a part of the team that finally delivered Messi’s long-awaited World Cup gives it added resonance.

“Leo is everything. For my generation and for those of us who have shared a dressing room with him, he is everything. He shows in every match, training session or in a chat that he is a top person and player. It makes me happy to share a dressing room with Messi and to be able to say that I have played with the best of all time."

At the time it was thought that the 2022 World Cup was Lionel Messi’s last chance to lift the trophy. Two years on, Messi remains a key player for La Albiceleste and he is showing no signs of an imminent retirement. Asked about the prospect of Messi staying with the team as they defend their crown in 2026, Mac Allister’s response is predictable.

“I hope so. I think so. There’s a year and a half left to go until the World Cup, and that’s nothing. He looks happy, and although I don’t know what will happen with his future, it seems like he’s going to stay with Inter Miami... I hope he can make it because he’s the player who makes the difference."

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