By Frank McAvennie

30th Sep, 2023 | 11:50am

'The game is up' - Pundit verdict on new Liverpool signing Mac Allister ahead of Tottenham clash

Alexis Mac Allister’s “game is up” at Liverpool if he can’t improve his confidence levels.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie suggested that if winning the World Cup hasn’t given Mac Allister the boost needed to kick on at Anfield then nothing will.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds from Brighton earlier this summer as part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield revamp alongside Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Mac Allister has made seven appearances so far this season and notched his first attacking return last weekend, helping the Reds to a 3-1 victory over West Ham.

Speaking to club media after the game (24 September), the Argentina international said he is “really happy” to be playing at Liverpool and is enjoying being in the midfield alongside Szoboszlai.

The midfielder was also really pleased to grab the assist for Darwin Nunez’s goal.

McAvennie is hopeful Mac Allister’s confidence continues to improve.

“There was a lot of pressure and expectation on Mac Allister and Szoboslai because the players before them, the likes of [Jordan] Henderson, were so comfortable in there,” he told Football Insider.

“They will be compared to the players that have gone before them but that will do them good, scoring and creating goals.

“It is going to be difficult now to come in and stamp your authority in midfield.

“If Mac Allister can’t come in and feel confident nobody can, if winning the World Cup does not spur you on then your game is up.“

In other news, Liverpool finalise Trent Alexander-Arnold deal after securing ‘agreement in principle’.