Alexis Mac Allister reveals ‘what shocked me most’ about Everton star’s horror tackle

Alexis Mac Allister was one of the stars of the season as Liverpool claimed the Premier League title, but remembers vividly the moment he was smashed by James Tarkowski during April’s Merseyside derby

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has spoken about the horror tackle by James Tarkowski that could have left him with a broken leg.

The Argentine international has revealed how he was shocked by the look on the Everton defender’s face as he launched himself into a brutal challenge during the Reds’ 1-0 Mersey derby victory over their rivals in April. Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card and apologised to Mac Allister at the end of the game.

But Mac Allister, speaking in an interview in Argentina, said: “It could have broken my leg twice! That they didn’t send him (Tarkowski) off was incredible. If I’d had my foot planted on the ground, it would have broken my leg completely.

“At the time, I realised it was too strong. But what shocked me most was his face when he went for the tackle.

“I wouldn’t say he was going to try to break me, but I feel I was lucky given the way he went in.”

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Mac Allister was a key performer as Arne Slot’s team lifted the Premier League title. But he has been left out of Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia because of injury.

Mac Allister also named Manchester City ‘s Jack Grealish as the biggest provocateur in the Premier League this week, admitting players “feel like kicking him”.

He also suggested the 29-year-old often made the most of being fouled, having first faced off against him when he was a Brighton player and Grealish turned out for Villa.

“Grealish – you feel like kicking him,” the Argentine said. “But even when you do, he gets right back up. And somehow, that makes you feel like you’re winning!”

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