Alexis Mac Allister gives Arne Slot new role to ponder as Liverpool duo strike before Man Utd clash
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCA round-up of Liverpool's international involvements across Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morningAlexis Mac Allister scored twice for Argentina as they beat Puerto Rico 6-0 in Florida overnight, while fellow Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was on target for Hungary in a 2-2 draw with Portugal.World champions Argentina hammered their opponents in Fort Lauderdale as Mac Allister registered a double alongside efforts from Gonzalo Montiel, Steben Echevarria and a brace from Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.Mac Allister was one of the highest rated performers on the night from Argentinian media with TYC Sports even hinting the Reds midfielder's position was something akin to a 'false 9'.READ MORE: Liverpool CEO explains how FSG took Reds from 'brink of administration' to Premier League gloryREAD MORE: FSG issue fresh statement on Liverpool ownership - 'We could never have imagined'“He was almost a false nine, scoring two goals and having the potential to score a few more as well," they wrote. He was very accurate with his passes in the opponent's half.”The sports pages of Clarin gave Mac Allister a rating of 9/10 and reflected: "Brace to confirm his virtue for the goal, beyond the game.
Clarity to touch and look for the best option."Ole gave Mac Allister the player of the match award, writing: "He stepped into the area a lot and showed it forcefully: opportunistic header to deflect Nico González's shot and make it 1-0 and in scoring mode to convert the third with a strong shot. The best in the middle and in the team."The performance will be a timely boost for the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, who has endured a mixed start to his season at Anfield on the back of a truncated pre-season.Mac Allister will now head home to Merseyside to begin his preparations for Sunday's visit from Manchester United at Anfield and one player he will be vying for a place with is Hungary captain Szoboszlai, who scored late to rescue a point against Portugal in Lisbon.The Hungarian struck a 91st-minute leveller in Lisbon to earn a point in their World Cup qualifier.
Szoboszlai said: "I'm proud of this whole team."We fought through the game. I was confident until the end that we would be able to equalize."Milos Kerkez also featured in the game, playing 79 minutes before being brought off for Marton Dardai while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili turned out for Georgia as they were beaten 4-1 by Turkey.Arne Slot, who himself spent a couple of days off in Dubai during the break, will now turn his attention towards Sunday's visit from Manchester United in the Premier League as the champions aim to end a run of successive league defeats when Ruben Amorim's side arrive on Merseyside.