In Focus: Mac Allister a Bright spark for ambitious Argentina

Alexis Mac Allister has been a key figure in Argentina's quest to win a third World Cup. 

The 23-year-old has supplanted Leandro Paredes in midfield alongside Rodrigo De Paul and anchorman Enzo Fernandez and has not looked out of place. 

We take a look at how important Mac Allister could be to La Albiceleste's chances ahead of their upcoming semi-final clash with Croatia.

Arabian frights

Mac Allister did not feature as Argentina suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game. 

But he did benefit from the reshuffle that came after it as Lionel Scaloni started him in the 2-0 victories over Mexico and Poland to close out the group.

The Poland clash was a must-win game for La Albiceleste and Mac Allister delivered, opening the scoring moments after half-time before Julian Alvarez finished the job.

Mac Allister, whose father Carlos played for Argentina alongside Diego Maradona, has been ever-present in their midfield since.

Flying high with the Seagulls

Mac Allister earned his place in Argentina's World Cup squad off the back of an impressive start to the season with Brighton. 

Having spent the first three years of his senior career with Argentinos Juniors, Mac Allister joined Brighton in January 2019. 

He did not make his debut until over a year later, however, as he stayed in Argentina for two loan spells with Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors.

His rise to prominence has been remarkable — only becoming a first-team regular with the Seagulls midway through last season.

It is this campaign, though, that Mac Allister's Premier League career has really taken off. He has contributed five goals, including a stunning free-kick, in 1,257 minutes of football and created 13 chances for his team-mates.

He is also hard-working from a defensive standpoint — in the Premier League, only Declan Rice and Rodri have won back possession in the middle third of the pitch on more occasions than Mac Allister (68) and the Argentine ranks fourth in the division for tackles won (44).

Rumours of rival interest

Brighton have progressed in recent years and sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of the resumption of domestic football. 

But that has not stopped rumours growing of rival interest in Mac Allister's signature. 

The 12-cap international has seen his profile raised due to the prominence afforded to him by Scaloni in Qatar and it is only natural that traditionally bigger sides have taken notice. 

Recent reports in Spain have claimed that a cohort of elite European clubs — including Tottenham, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan — are all interested in the Argentine playmaker.

Content with life on the South Coast

But Brighton are in a strong position — Mac Allister extended his contract to 2025 with the option of an additional year in October and has spoken about enjoying his life on the South Coast.

He said: "We have been discussing a new contract for a few weeks and I am very happy it's all agreed and signed. I am really happy here at Brighton. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity the club gave me to come to England and play in the Premier League and it has been an incredible journey. 

"We have made great progress with Graham Potter and I know there is more to make. I am now enjoying working with another top coach in Roberto De Zerbi and want to help the club to keep progressing."

Engine room showdown

Mac Allister will play a key role in the midfield battle that is set to ensue when Argentina lock horns with Croatia.

Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric are a strong trio — Argentina could have their work cut out for them. 

Mac Allister has made seven tackles and two interceptions in the 353 minutes of football he has played in Qatar, as well as winning three aerial duels. He has also managed to complete 160 passes (91.43% accuracy). 

His job against Croatia will be to help win the midfield battle and get the ball to Lionel Messi to do the rest.