'Understanding the game': Xavi says he sees himself in Liverpool midfielder who is on par with Vitinha
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Legendary former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has hailed Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister as one of only ‘three or four’ current footballers who play just like he did.One of the greatest midfielders of all-time, Xavi was renowned as a player who exuded calm on the pitch and seemed to find passes which nobody else could see.As a midfielder, praise from the World Cup winner is about as big as it gets, and despite him having a difficult season with Liverpool, Xavi has picked Mac Allister out alongside Vitinha, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong as a player who truly understands the game. Who was the best performer in a nervy win against Crystal Palace? 👀 Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images Xavi sees himself in Alexis Mac AllisterHaving dropped his levels alarmingly from last season, an expectation has begun to grow that Mac Allister could leave Liverpool this summer.While the 27-year-old could not really argue with being sold based on his performances, it would still be a shame to lose a player who was deservedly nominated for last season’s PFA Player of the Year.There is a quality midfielder in there, as acknowledged by Xavi, who named Mac Allister as one of a select group of active players who play the game in his image.“There’s Pedri, there’s Vitinha, Mac Allister,” the Spaniard told fellow Barca legend Romario for Romario TV when asked who he enjoys watching in the modern game.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Joe Gomez left Liverpool fans ‘buzzing’ at Anfield two hours after the full-time whistle vs Crystal Palace“There’s three or four footballers who, for me, are the best because they understand collective football.“They understand that when they pass the ball, they are thinking about the next play.
Even Frenkie de Jong, who for me is very underrated.”Liverpool should rethink Mac Allister saleIt is understandable why Liverpool would look to move Mac Allister on if given a chance this summer.At 27, the World Cup winner is in the peak of his career and as they look to build for the future, the Reds could ask for a good-sized fee to sell him. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC With two years left on his contract it is crunch time in terms of either selling Mac Allister or handing him a new deal.
Hence, selling him makes sense.Nevertheless, there is a good chance that Mac Allister can also still return to his best form. 10, then it would feel like a gamble to bomb him out of the squad.Mac Allister was better against Crystal Palace on Saturday, offering a timely reminder as to what he still offers this Liverpool team.Xavi’s praise backs that up, and if he can end the season strongly, then Mac Allister could still save Liverpool from making a potential transfer error and selling him off this summer.