“An example” – NT manager highlights Liverpool star for praise, ‘very proud’ of career progression

Costa Rica manager Gustavo Alfaro has heaped praise on Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister, labelling him an “example” for other players.

The Costa Rica boss was speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Argentina earlier today, when he took time out to praise the Liverpool midfielder.

Mac Allister is now a bonafide world star after establishing himself as a key man for Liverpool following his move from Brighton in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool specifically targeted the Argentine as a part of a complete rebuild of their midfield and have been rewarded for that decision, with Mac Allister impressing as part of that new look Reds midfield.

The 25-year-old has continued his steady career rise at Anfield, having also established himself as a star man at Brighton, where he spent three years after returning from a loan spell at Boca Juniors following Brighton buying him for €8m in 2019.

His time at Boca saw him working under Alfaro, who was manager at the Argentine club at the time of his arrival and for whom Mac Allister made 20 appearances in total.

He remains a big fan of the Liverpool star after that period working together and was full of praise of him before they faced each other on the international stage.

“I had the chance to be with him when I went to visit the Ecuadorian boys from Brighton, Caicedo, Sarmiento and Estupinian,” TNT Sports report him saying.

“I was at training; I spoke with them and then I went to eat with Alexis. Talking about everything he had experienced. He told me that it had been difficult for him to find the rhythm of English football, that it was a matter of time,” he said.

“I asked him on more than one occasion to help Moisés (Caicedo), because when he was only 18 years old Brighton had bought him. He helped him a lot since he arrived. It is an example of what Alexis is.

“The leadership, the camaraderie he has and the way he carries himself. He is an example of how far a player can go when talent is supported by humility.”

“When I see him, I’m going to congratulate him, because I’m very proud of the career he’s having. He’s a boy who makes a notable difference with his intelligence and his application. That difference was marked in every place where he had to be.”