MY ACCOUNT
Alexis Mac Allister has carried his World Cup-winning form with him upon his return to the Premier League, boosting a Brighton side in contention for continental football next season.
His sharp feet, composure in the final third and deadly ball-striking ability have ensured a clutch of Europe’s elite clubs are preparing to pounce this summer.
As Manchester United travel to Wembley for a semi-final clash with Mac Allister and Brighton, we ponder whether a move to Old Trafford would suit the 24-year-old.
Several suitors
When players excel on the world stage, they invariably draw attention and Mac Allister played a crucial part in Argentina’s success in Qatar.
Subsequently, Brighton’s No10 has attracted interest from an array of top Premier League teams, including United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
His father, Carlos Mac Allister, has already stated that a move is on the cards this summer.
He said: “Normally the next [transfer window] will find him playing in another club, we don’t know which one.
“The talks are just beginning in general but it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July.”
Terrorising defences
United could certainly use a goal-scoring midfielder to ease the burden on Marcus Rashford.
Mac Allister has bagged eight goals in the league, including five from the penalty spot, while also creating an impressive 30 chances.
Not only is he a threat in front of goal, but his close control makes him tough for defenders to contend with as he weaves his way through tight areas of the pitch.
This season, the Santa Rosa native has completed 28 of his 42 attempted take-ons for the Seagulls.
Defensive contributions
Another quality Mac Allister boasts — and one that United boss Erik Ten Hag would certainly appreciate — is his defensive work-rate.
He aims to win possession back as quickly as possible, so far recording 55 tackles and 22 interceptions in the top tier this term.
The World Cup winner has also regained possession 98 times in the middle third, which is a tally second only to his midfield partner Moises Caicedo.
It is a rare thing to find an attacking midfielder so willing to put in the hard yards, making Mac Allister a very valuable asset.
Advanced Alexis
Speaking about the midfielder’s recent performances, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted his belief that Mac Allister can play at an even higher level.
Having initially been utilised as part of a double-pivot, the Italian tactician has unleashed a greater level of performance from his No10 by deploying him further up the pitch.
He said: “I think he can play better because he is Alexis Mac Allister. But that [advanced midfield] position may be the best for him.
“Yes [he should be scoring more goals]. Not only goals, but also the last pass, because he has the quality to score and to assist.”
Final in sight
Ten Hag’s side will be able to get a closer look at Mac Allister’s qualities this afternoon in their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.
The 24-year-old has been among his side’s chief goal threats, having bagged two goals and one assist in this competition, so United will have work to do to keep him quiet.
However, the Seagulls have also been equally good defensively, having conceded just two goals in their four FA Cup fixtures to this point.
This match is set up to be an exciting clash and depending on the Argentine’s display, United could have their minds made up regarding a move this summer.
