Liverpool fans took delight in one particular moment as Alexis Mac Allister faced against Moisés Caicedo while on international duty this week.
The international break is generally a frustrating time for Liverpool fans, and this week is no exception.
Just as the Reds were getting on a roll, unbeaten in their first four fixtures of the new season, supporters have been left waiting an extra week to see them in action again. And given the relationship many Liverpool fans have with the Three Lions, two England games in the meantime don’t come as much comfort.
There is some entertainment to be had elsewhere though. Cody Gakpo, for example, scored as the Netherlands eased to a 3-0 win over Greece, while Dominik Szoboszlai captained Hungary to a 2-1 win over Serbia.
The midfielder has been the pick of the bunch from the new crop so far this season, but his midfield partner may have just overtaken him in the fans’ eyes. And all it took was one picture.
Alexis Mac Allister was in action for Argentina against Ecuador in a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, with the world champions winning 1-0.
The game brought the 24-year-old up against his old Brighton teammate Moisés Caicedo. Of course, if things had gone differently, the two could have been reunited at Anfield, but Caicedo decided to snub Liverpool’s record bid in order to force through a move to Chelsea.
Blues fans have since taken great pleasure in reminding Liverpool fans of this fact. But on Thursday night, Mac Allister helped them gain back some credit.
One cameraman managed to capture the moment Mac Allister glided past Caicedo, leaving the £115m man in a rather unflattering heap behind him.
Liverpool fans have of course taken great pleasure in this moment, and you suspect some people behind the scenes at Anfield might have had a smirk on their faces as well.
The picture somewhat encapsulates Liverpool and Chelsea’s fortunes so far. The Reds’ calm and methodical approach to the transfer window has seen them make real strides this season, while the Blues’ hectic scattergun approach has done little to improve them, and already left them trailing behind.
Caicedo in particular has not had the sort of start his hefty price tag would have had many expecting. The 21-year-old has found himself the subject of compilations on social media showing a litany of errors since he completed the move to Stamford Bridge. His cause hasn’t been helped by mistakes against West Ham and Nottingham Forest directly leading to goals that resulted in losses for Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Mac Allister, bought for the much more reasonable sum of £35m has gone about his business quietly. He might not have produced a barnstorming performance yet, but Liverpool fans can be more than happy with what they’ve seen so far.
Although Chelsea supporters may have taken great pleasure in beating Liverpool to not only Caicedo but also Roméo Lavia, the evidence so far suggests the Reds still lead their rivals on and off the pitch.
Chelsea may have won the battles, but Liverpool are winning the war.
