Liverpool star thrives: instrumental in Argentina’s final third, stats show

Defending Copa America champions Argentina keep going as they watch the tournament on back-to-back occasions. While the spotlight is on Lionel Messi and rightly so, other players shine on this team as well.

Messi’s run with Argentina will soon come to an end. However, players entering their prime years, such as Liverpool standout Alexis Mac Allister, are showing they can step up once the 37-year-old retires from the international game. To Albiceleste won all three of their group stage matches against Canada, Chile and Peru, with the 25-year-old performing well.

WhoScored.com pointed out on Twitter that the Argentine midfielder keeps Argentina’s attack alive when in the final third. According to the statistics publication, Mac Allister won possession in the attacking third more times (four times) than any other player at the Copa America.

Argentina is now in the knockout stage and will face Ecuador. Messi and company will be favorites to advance and will be closer to repeating as champions.