Alexis Mac Allister’s Candid Admiration for Alisson Becker
Discoveries Inside the Dressing Room
When players arrive at a club like Liverpool, there is often a period of discovery. The atmosphere at Melwood and Anfield demands standards, and new arrivals quickly realise that reputations on paper are only part of the story. It is in training sessions, shared dressing rooms and competitive matches where appreciation of teammates deepens.
Goalkeepers in particular often go underappreciated. Supporters may see the dramatic saves from the stands or on television, but the constant communication, leadership and reassurance they provide are harder to capture. It is within the squad that their influence becomes most visible.
Mac Allister’s Honest Reflection
Alexis Mac Allister’s admission about Alisson Becker captures that journey perfectly. The Argentine midfielder joined Liverpool from Brighton in the summer of 2023 for £35 million. At the time, he acknowledged he did not fully grasp why Alisson was regarded so highly.
“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’,” Mac Allister revealed in an interview with ESPN.
Such honesty underlines how even professionals can underestimate greatness until they are immersed in it. Alisson, who arrived at Liverpool from Roma in a record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, had already lifted the Premier League, Champions League and Copa America before Mac Allister’s move. Yet it took direct experience for the midfielder’s perception to change.
Alisson’s Influence at Liverpool
Two years on, Mac Allister has a completely different view. His words now place Alisson in the highest bracket of world football. “Now, damn! I have to admit, you’re the best. Well, ok, you, Dibu [Martinez] and [Thibaut] Courtois.”
This turnaround reflects the Brazilian’s consistency and character. At Liverpool, Alisson has become a cornerstone of success. His calm presence, vocal authority and ability to inspire trust have been crucial in building Arne Slot’s title-winning side. The Argentine’s recognition is not just about technical ability, but the leadership that defines the best goalkeepers.
Liverpool supporters have long celebrated these qualities. Now, hearing Mac Allister echo them shows how deeply Alisson’s influence runs within the squad. From doubted figure to indispensable leader, his journey highlights why goalkeepers are often only truly appreciated by those closest to them.
Respect from Within and Beyond
The respect Alisson commands in the dressing room speaks volumes. To be named among the world’s top three goalkeepers by a teammate who once underestimated him shows how perceptions can shift through proximity. Mac Allister’s comments also underline the unique culture at Liverpool, where shared experiences forge bonds and enhance reputations.
For Alisson, this is further confirmation of his legacy at Anfield. For Mac Allister, it is an admission that sometimes it takes standing beside greatness to truly understand it. Together, their partnership embodies the spirit of Liverpool, where talent and humility combine to create champions.
