Liverpool summer signing Alexis Mac Allister has, on Sunday, provided an insight into the thought process behind his eventual decision to take on the club’s no.10 jersey.
Argentine international Mac Allister, of course, opted to take his talents to Anfield earlier this month.
Fresh off a stellar campaign which saw him dazzle in leading both Brighton to a first-ever European berth, and Argentina to World Cup glory, the 24-year-old was identified as a prime midfield target by Jurgen Klopp.
The powers that be on the red half of Merseyside, in turn, swooped decisively, to strike a £35 million deal with their counterparts at The Amex.
Liverpool have just signed Alexis Mac Allister for… £35m. 🚨🔴 #LFC
Reds have now triggered the clause to sign the midfielder after medical tests completed with Brighton’s permission.
Documents are being signed. Here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/9Mtd8f6aKT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
Mac Allister, since, has gone on to become acquainted with his new surroundings, ahead of what all associated with Liverpool will hope proves a fruitful debut campaign at Anfield.
And, in the process, the former Boca Juniors loanee was afforded the opportunity to select his Reds squad number.
Speaking on Sunday, though, the South American revealed that this only came after he came to the decision to turn down the famed no.8
Citing the heavy burden of expectation associated with club legend Steven Gerrard, Mac Allister explained:
“One day, I was talking to my dad when he asked me what number I would wear for Liverpool. I knew there were several numbers available – including 10 and 8.
“The number 8 shirt is a very important number in that club because of Gerrard, so I hesitated a bit. I ended up choosing the 10, but 8 is a number that I like a lot and has a history at the club.”
Alexis Mac Allister revealed why he turned down the number 8 shirt at Liverpool https://t.co/RVBfUDqYpc
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 25, 2023
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