Pundit lauds ‘exceptional’ World Cup star and backs him for big Premier League move as Spurs are interested

Jamie O’Hara has praised Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister after playing a vital role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph and has hinted at his next move.

Mac Allister proved to be a pivotal player for Lionel Scaloni during the tournament. The 23-year-old started in six of Argentina’s matches, including the final.

The Brighton midfielder was one of Argentina’s best players in the final. He assisted Angel Di Maria’s goal and worked tirelessly throughout the match.

His work rate and quality on the ball has been obvious to see throughout the tournament. Brighton now face the tough challenge of keeping him at the club after he put himself into the shop window.

Tottenham have already been linked with a move for the 23-year-old and Brighton will no doubt be preparing for a series of bids to come their way in January.

O’Hara detailed what he likes about Mac Allister and what he could bring to a top six club. The pundit told talkSPORT: “I mean, he has been unbelievable. What a tournament he has had. I couldn’t believe how fantastic he was.

“I thought he was exceptional, I can’t believe he is at Brighton. I think big clubs are going to come in looking for him. We signed Bissouma. I mean, why did we sign when we could have got Mac Allister?

“If you are Newcastle, Man United, Liverpool, even Man City. I would be looking at Mac Allister and going, ‘I will tell you what. That is some player we could have in our side’.”

The midfielder is contracted at Brighton until 2025, having joined them for just £7million back in 2019. It would now take a significantly higher offer to tempt Brighton into selling one of their prized assets.

Mac Allister will have plenty of suitors

Prior to the World Cup, Mac Allister had been in fine form for Brighton. The Argentine midfielder scored five goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

Brighton have been going well in the league and currently sit seventh, just one point behind Liverpool. Mac Allister has been enjoying working with new manager Roberto De Zerbi and has spoken on how he compares to Graham Potter.

“They have many things in common. Both want to keep possession and press high, but in terms of daily work, it’s all different,” said Mac Allister via Football Italia.

“De Zerbi is more focused on tactics, his sessions are less heavy physically, but you must always be focused on a mental level. Both methods are intriguing, both are extraordinary coaches.

“During Roberto’s first days, we struggled to find the style of play he required, but now we have improved and all of England, I would say all of Europe, can see that we play good football and have interesting ideas.”

Mac Allister is the latest example of Brighton’s stellar recruitment strategy. If they do decide to cash in on him in January they will make a substantial gain on the original £7million they spent on him.

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