2 weeks ago
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Alexis Mac Allister is hoping his goals for Argentina can help kick-start his season, with the Liverpool midfielder having admitted he hasn’t started the campaign how he had hoped.
Mac Allister struck twice as the world champions eased to a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale, with the 26-year-old earning rave reviews from the media back in his home country for his performance.
Having been the last of Liverpool’s players in action during the international break, he will now report back to Merseyside in the next couple of days, and hope he can carry his form back with him as the Reds prepare to take on Manchester United on Sunday.
Mac Allister has had a frustrating start to the campaign. The former Brighton star missed the start of Liverpool’s summer preparations while still carrying an injury from the end of the previous season.
That left him playing catch-up with the majority of his teammates, and he has appeared to struggle with fitness and form so far as the Reds’ performances have dipped in general.
Having got so close to scoring a first hat-trick for his country though, Mac Allister hopes his display in Florida could be just the trigger he needs.
"The lads were bothering me at halftime. They asked me if I was going to score three, I've never done it, and I'm not desperate," Mac Allister told TyC Sports.
“I like scoring goals, but I try to do my best for the team. I tried last time, but it didn't work out.
“Scoring goals helps; it gives you confidence. Especially at a time when, personally, the season hasn't started in the best way. This helps to continue building confidence."
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Argentina has long been qualified for next year’s World Cup, meaning the defending champions have nothing but friendlies to keep them occupied until the tournament, although Mac Allister isn’t taking the opportunities for granted.
“The truth is that it's always important to score goals, especially in preparation for a World Cup,” he added.
“There's still a long way to go, but not much time left, because there are only a few matches for the national team. We hope to arrive in top form. These kinds of matches are very helpful for us to get into the swing of things, to continue getting to know them, and to introduce new players. Happy with the win.
"We've always said it. Whether we go to Argentina or to other countries, we feel the affection of the people, and wearing this jersey is very important. We enjoy it a lot and we want to continue doing it."
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