Jurgen Klopp has been at pains to point out just how good he thinks Alexis Mac Allister can be for Liverpool.
Even though the Argentine hasn’t looked completely comfortable in an unfamiliar defensive role this season, Klopp has kept on backing him to the hilt.
According to Mac Allister himself, this has led to some teasing amongst his Liverpool colleagues. Back in September, the 24-year-old claimed that some of his South American teammates at Anfield had started referring to Klopp as Mac Allister’s ‘Dad’ after he continued in the team following an international break.
Well if Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and co get a glimpse of the footage from the latest in the ‘Inside’ series on Liverpool’s YouTube channel. then Alexis might be in for some more ribbing. Capturing the goings-on inside the tunnel after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday, the LFCTV cameras caught a sweet exchange between Klopp and his No.10.
On a chilly day at the Etihad, Mac Allister wanders down the steps in just a t-shirt, rubbing at his arms. Following behind, Jurgen barks something about a coat, as he prepares to take his own off and hand it to Macca.
The World Cup winner appears to wave Klopp away, but not before the manager says something along the lines of “It’s as cold inside as it is outside by the way.” Pure Dad behaviour from Jurgen, you love to see it.
Jurgen shows love for Mac Allister
This is a funny little moment from Klopp, who is of course easily old enough to be Mac Allister – and all of his teammates’ – father.
But more than the boss’ paternal instincts, this clip goes to show just how much he thinks of Alexis.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
We know that Klopp loves smart footballers. He tends to look beyond pure numbers and continues to pick those who give him the things that statistics can’t always pick up.
Bobby Firmino wasn’t ever the most prolific goal scorer or creator for Liverpool, but there’s a reason he was, up until recently, Klopp’s most used player for the Reds.
Gini Wijnaldum was another who didn’t register great numbers, but would always be in the team.
It’s early days for Mac Allister yet, but we get the impression that the former Brighton man is going to follow a similar trajectory. So far, minus the game against Brentford which he missed through suspension, Macca has started every one of Liverpool’s Premier League matches.
Despite some mixed reviews about his ability to play in defensive midfield, Klopp continues to pick him and continues to back him publicly.
It may not be where he eventually ends up playing for Liverpool, but you get the feeling that Jurgen has found the newest player he can hang his hat on, whatever the position. And that’s a coat that Alexis should be proud to wear.