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Alexis Mac Allister has admitted he didn't rate Alisson Becker amongst the world's best goalkeepers until joining him at Liverpool.
The South American duo had previously been opponents at both club and international level before developing a strong relationship on Merseyside, and becoming two of the Reds' most reliable performers in the process.
Mac Allister joined Liverpool in a $47 million transfer from Brighton during the summer of 2023, and has gone on to cement his spot in Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot's midfield. This arrived five years after Alisson's own move from AS Roma for what was then a world-record sum for a goalkeeper.
The 31-year-old has worked relentlessly to vindicate the faith the Reds placed in him by helping secure two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and several other major trophies during his time at the club.
He also starred as Brazil lifted the 2019 Copa America trophy.
However, despite these accomplishments, Mac Allister remained skeptical that he was watching a keeper performing at the elite level.
"I tell him, 'You know, when I was at Brighton, I didn't understand what the hype was all about. I didn't really rate you'," the Argentine told ESPN.
"Now, damn! I have to admit, you're the best. Well, ok, you, Dibu [Martinez] and [Thibaut] Courtois."
Aspects of Liverpool's transfer business since Slot assumed control as manager have centered on putting in place the long-term replacement for the Reds' number one of seven years. A $39M deal completed in 2024 has seen Giorgi Mamardashvili arrive from Valencia this summer, whilst Caoimhin Kelleher has moved to Brentford.
Alisson's Liverpool deal expires next summer, though the club possesses an option to prolong it by another year until 2027.
Speaking in June, he voiced his anticipation that an extension would be reached.
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"I've never been able to plan long term. Obviously, now I have one year left on my contract and another year of club option, which they will probably exercise," he explained.
Currently, no verdict has been reached, leaving him and his colleagues unsure about their collective future beyond 2026.
Mac Allister noted that the goalkeeper still has time to honor a personal pledge.
"He hasn't invited me to his house for a barbecue yet, so he has this season ahead to keep to his word," the Argentine midfielder remarked.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Express by clicking here.
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