Potter: Mac Allister has been so influential

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Argentinian has played the full 90 minutes in each of Albion’s last eight Premier League games.

Charlie Hanson

2022-05-07T05:00:00Z

Graham Potter has been pleased with Alexis Mac Allister's contributions this season.

Graham Potter couldn’t be more pleased with the development Alexis Mac Allister has made this season.

The 23-year-old has demonstrated his versatility across midfield, as well as chipping in with five goals and two assists in the Premier League.

“We are so happy with him and how he has developed,” Potter said. “Over the last six games he has played as a six, an eight and a ten in midfield. It highlights his understanding of the game that he can play in those positions and understand each role and execute them really well.

“He is a good guy, he's so mature and I think he can add goals from midfield. He links play well and at the same time he does his defensive work, so he has been brilliant. He played in Argentina’s last international, so that is an indication that he can play.”

It’s been a tricky road for Mac Allister to this point. He arrived on the south coast just before lockdown, before playing in empty stadiums for virtually all of the 2020/21 campaign.

“You are asked all the time ‘How long will it take [for him to make the step up]?’ and the truth is that you never really know, and you should never underestimate how coming from a different continent and perform is not easy, but he has adapted really well.

“He has had to be patient, as often is the case, but he has been professional and has supported the team when he has been on the sidelines and is always ready to help.

“Now he has got his run in the team, he has been really influential – he’s had a fantastic season.”

The Argentina international fired in from the penalty spot at the second time of asking last weekend.

The former Boca Juniors midfielder added to his goals tally last Saturday in the 3-0 win over Wolves, firing in from the penalty spot, having missed from 12 yards earlier on in the game.

“I don’t know what I was thinking [when we got the penalty], to be honest,” Potter continued. “I was probably thinking, ‘oh no it’s another penalty, can’t we just score a goal without having a penalty?’ It was one of those moments.

“Alexis was the designated penalty taker and sometimes penalty takers miss and they don’t want to take the next one. Knowing Alexis and his character though, I had trust and faith in him. But when you’re standing over there on the half-way line, you’re just hoping!”