Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has named his top four midfielders of all time and his list includes a Liverpool legend.
Alexis Mac Allister has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most impressive signings. The Argentine midfielder, who starred for Brighton & Hove Albion, scored 10 Premier League goals in his final season on the south coast before making the £35m move to Anfield in the summer of 2023.
With competition in Liverpool’s midfield at the highest level, there were no guarantees Mac Allister would adapt. Yet the 26-year-old has has risen to the challenge like a duck to water. He may not be the flashiest player, but he is such a complete midfielder done so seamlessly. He may not be the flashiest player on the pitch, but his complete skill set has made him a key figure in Arne Slot’s side.
Mac Allister is now receiving the recognition he deserves for his excellent displays. was one of six nominees for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. The midfielder was also nominated in the 30-men shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or which could be the first step towards reaching the heights of his footballing heroes.
ESPN informed Mac Allister that Steven Gerrard went as far as naming the 26-year-old as one of the three best midfielders in the world. Mac Allister responded:
“Really, really special coming from Steven. He’s as you said, a legend of Liverpool”. with a beaming smile
“We all love him and we all appreciate this kind of thing so happy with that, didn’t expect it, but it’s really good.”
Mac Allister was delighted by Gerrard’s praise and then asked to name the midfielders he considers the greatest of all time, he cited a mix of current and historical stars.
“In terms of midfielders, I think Dominik [Szoboszlai] and Ryan [Gravenberch] last year, it was a really good midfield for us. But if I have to speak maybe in history, then I always love Iniesta. I think Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, these three midfielders were something really special and of course, Steven for us as Liverpool supporters, and he was a really good player.”
The Argentine was also asked whether he models his game on any of the midfielders he grew up watching. He highlighted one player in particular.
“I don’t know, I’ve never thought about it. That’s a good question. I try to play my game, do what I can, what I know.
“If you ask me about similarities, maybe it’s more about Xavi, someone that tries to think about the game, maybe. He didn’t shine a lot, but he was really important for his team, so that’s what I want.”
Mac Allister still has some way to go before achieving as much as the Barcelona and Spain trio, but he is already rivalling Steven Gerrard for honours won. Mac Allister is a World Cup and Copa America winner with Argentina and he won the Premier League last season, something Gerrard was never able to do.
However, Gerrard led his team to victory in the Champions League, so Mac Allister still has work to do with Liverpool.
