Argentina media split on Alexis Mac Allister in Copa America final as Arne Slot handed new issue

Argentina is the number one ranked side in the world and it has the trophies to justify that position. Having won the 2021 Copa America and then the 2022 World Cup, the Argentines retained the former trophy with a 1-0 victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.

Liverpool was certain to see one of its players receive a gold medal no matter the outcome. It was Luis Díaz who had to settle for silver, with Alexis Mac Allister adding the Copa America title to his CV.

The 25-year-old’s performance was naturally scrutinized by the media. Football is a game of opinions and the verdicts on Mac Allister’s efforts certainly varied. One aspect which was highlighted will certainly be a concern for new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot .

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Alister filmed looking around for his family in worrying Copa America scenes

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Argentine daily sports newspaper Ole was the most impressed, handing the Reds midfielder a rating of eight. “Battler as always, but also protagonist of several of the dangerous plays,” it wrote, adding: “he was the author of the header in the play that all of Argentina claimed a penalty.”

It was around here that the statistical algorithms fell. Liverpool’s number 10 was rated 7.2 by SofaScore and 6.8 by WhoScored .

Elsewhere ESPN was less impressed than that, dishing out a six to the former Brighton man after 'an average evening'. It was suggested he was no affected by the pre-match crowd issues that forced him to intervene.” Darwin Nunez would no doubt sympathize with Mac Allister, who was filmed looking for his family as the chaos unfolded .

It’s reasonable to assume his concerns may have affected his performance in the match. Argentinian channel TyC Sports highlighted another problem when awarding Mac Allister a six, suggesting he was 'extremely exhausted'. If Mac Allister is very tired, and it would be understandable if that is the case, then that presents a problem for Slot.

Liverpool had 14 players on international duty at major tournaments this summer, but some were knocked out early while others barely played, if at all. But Mac Allister, who will be a key man for the Reds in 2024/25, gave everything up until less than five weeks before the new campaign begins. At least, unlike Diaz, he has a gold medal for his efforts.

Liverpool.com says: It sounds like Mac Allister played well enough given the difficult circumstances, and of course he will be delighted to have won another trophy. It's time for a well earned rest.