Xavi praises Liverpool midfielder as Barcelona legend names his four favorite players

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Barcelona legend Xavi is a big fan of a Liverpool midfielder who has struggled at times this season, with Arne Slot needing to see a bit more from him in the center of the pitch

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been picked out for praise by the Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, amid a season where the Argentine has failed to hit top form.

Mac Allister began the campaign with an injury and hasn't quite gotten up to full speed, though he did get two assists as the Reds beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Signed from Brighton in 2023 when his release clause was triggered, Mac Allister is expected to be a major part of Argentina's push to win the World Cup again this summer — and Xavi is a big fan.

"There’s Pedri, there’s Vitinha, Mac Allister," the Spaniard told Romario on his YouTube channel when he was asked who he enjoys watching in the modern game.

"There are 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. Not just passing for the sake of passing, no, they are understanding the game. Even Frenkie de Jong, who for me is very underrated."

Alexis Mac Allister before Liverpool's Premier League game against Crystal Palace(Image: (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

Mac Allister has played 51 times for Liverpool this season, though talks are not underway with him regarding an extension to his contract.

Dominik Szoboszlai is viewed as the priority to tie down, with Ryan Gravenberch having penned new terms recently. Mac Allister will be 29 by the time his current deal expires.

"The longer the games go on, the more Mac Allister struggles," Reds legend Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports last month. "I think that’s a real problem for Liverpool that they need to address in midfield.

"Curtis Jones came on (against Spurs) and the game goes end to end. He takes on the Florian Wirtz role and I don’t know why; he’s not that player.

"There’s too much space when the game opens up and Mac Allister can’t cover it."

Since then, though, Liverpool has won three times in a row in the Premier League. Its position in the Champions League spots looks increasingly secure.

Liverpool finishes the season with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.

Liverpool.com says: Mac Allister is a very good player at his best, but this season, he has struggled physically at times. It is for that reason that extending his contract might not be the best outcome, even though he has lots of experience and quality.