Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi spoke of his pride in Alexis Mac Allister after he helped Argentina win the World Cup, saying the Seagulls midfielder was one of the best players at the tournament.
Argentina lifted the trophy for the first time since 1986 following a dramatic final win over France on penalties on Sunday.
De Zerbi has no plans to pitch Mac Allister straight back into first-team action at the Premier League club, with the 23-year-old granted a two-week break.
“Yes we are very proud for him,” said De Zerbi ahead of Wednesday’s fourth-round League Cup tie against third-tier Charlton.
“I think he was one of the best players in the World Cup competition, his style of play was clear, he didn’t make mistakes, he understood (what to do) before the play.”
Mac Allister started all six of Argentina’s matches in Qatar after being an unused substitute in the shock opening defeat by Saudi Arabia.
“I wrote many message to him. I am very happy for him and for us, for him now there are two weeks of holiday and we wait for him to continue in our competition,” added De Zerbi.
“After one month of the World Cup where he has had to be strong because of the pressure and emotion, he needs a break.
“We will use other players while he is away.”
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 weeks agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 month agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoSaudi Arabia formally launches bid for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia formally launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup on Friday,...
By AFP