Alexis MacAllister has been in superb form for Argentina at the World Cup and he continued that level of performance on Tuesday night in a semi-final win over Croatia – and Lee Dixon was full of praise for the Tottenham transfer target.
MacAllister, 23, was expected to be a squad member for Argentina in Qatar. He might have got a rare start, but mostly, off the bench. But, he clocked up his fifth start in six for Lionel Scaloni’s side – an unused sub against Saudi Arabia.
He has been excellent for Argentina. He even scored in a 2-0 win over Poland. On Tuesday night, he lasted 86 minutes before coming off as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win. MacAllister came very close to scoring himself, from a corner.
However, Dominik Livakovic typically produced his best moment of what was a disappointing night – tipping his header round the post. L’Interista say the race is hotting up for MacAllister – with Spurs one of four clubs interested.
Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan also want to sign the midfielder. Not bad, for a £7million signing at Brighton. During commentary on ITV’s coverage of the game, Arsenal icon Dixon gave his verdict on MacAllister and his display.
“Tell you what though, it’s no coincidence [Modric has struggled to impact the game] that it’s MacAllister in front of him making a block. He’s had a brilliant game,” Dixon said during commentary, after another block by MacAllister.
Dixon full of praise for Tottenham target MacAllister on Tuesday night
MacAllister has gone from being a good, young player with potential, to one of the most in-form midfielders in world football this season. His five goals in 14 games for a Brighton side punching above their weight has been excellent.
His game is not simply being an attacking midfielder and trying to score. He can be nasty, too. MacAllister has that defensive side to his game, a relentless work rate that opponents hate to play against. That has been evident in Qatar.
If Tottenham are able to sign MacAllister from Brighton, they would be bringing in a player that is in incredible form – but perfect for what Antonio Conte needs. A midfielder that can do both sides of the game and at 23, the future.
