Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister lauds captain Virgil van Dijk for his leadership while stating the importance of a positive mindset
Alexis Mac Allister praised Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk while emphasizing the need to remain positive despite the daunting challenges. Liverpool dramatically defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the Premier League away game after Darwin Nunez scored a late winner.
A severe injury crisis has depleted the Reds’ squad, sidelining numerous important players. Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are the long-term absentees.
Furthermore, prolific forward Mohamed Salah failed to make it to the matchday squad against Forest as he continues to recover. Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo made it to the matchday squad after returning from their respective injuries. However, they started the game from the bench as Joe Gomez filled the make-shift defensive midfield role.
While providing his post-match reaction (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Mac Allister highlighted the important role of Van Dijk as the team’s leader. He said:
“I think everyone could see that we were always positive. You could see Virgil [van Dijk] and our leaders always keeping the team very positive, and that’s very important to keep going until the end. We are a very good team, a very good group with nice players on and off the pitch. That’s really important to be always positive.”
Mac Allister has been a pivotal part of Liverpool’s midfield since signing from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer. Despite playing in the advanced role for most of his career, he has played as a number six at times.
The 25-year-old has played a crucial role while Liverpool faced the ever-increasing injury crisis amid the title challenge. The Reds beat Chelsea to successfully win their first trophy of the season by securing the Carabao Cup.
Alexis Mac Allister and Endo cost Liverpool a combined £51 million.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 25, 2024
They just bossed a midfield that included Enzo and Caicedo in the Carabo Cup final that cost them £221 million.
Incredible business by Liverpool pic.twitter.com/avaQ60BgqF
Furthermore, they beat Southampton 3-0 during the mid-week to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Mac Allister provided the assist for the late winner from Nunez against Forest to secure the three points for Liverpool.
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Liverpool cannot afford to drop any point as Manchester City and Arsenal are right behind them in the title chase. Liverpool will host the Citizens next week at Anfield in a Premier League battle that will change the complexion of the title chase.
