Joel Veltman says Alexis Mac Allister has made an ‘amazing’ impact in the World Cup.
But the Albion defender – and proud Dutchman – would be delighted if his teammate’s involvement in Qatar ends when the Netherlands take on Argentina in the quarter-finals today.
“I think Alexis has been amazing in this World Cup, but it doesn’t surprise me the level he is playing it when you think about his performances for Brighton,” said Veltman.
“What has happened to him with Argentina is a bit like the start of his career with us. At Brighton he fought to get into the team last year but now his performances and his stats are amazing. He came as a No.10 and now he’s a No.6 for us and for Argentina. He is showing his level now on the world stage.”
The progress of Louis van Gaal’s side has been one of the stories of the tournament, with the 71-year-old having recovered from prostate cancer to lead his country for a third time.
The former Manchester United manager gave Veltman his Holland debut in 2014. “You can see the players give everything for him,” said Veltman. “He can give you a hug and kill you on the pitch the next day but when he can still do something like this it’s amazing, especially as he’s come through a terrible illness.”
Veltman would love Mac Allister to make another eye-catching contribution today – as long as the Netherlands win.
“If I had to chose Alexis would score five times and Holland would win 6-5!
“It’s a one-off game. Your opponent may have more quality but Holland have had amazing results and they put together a good performance against United States. I think it will be a very close game.”