Alexis Mac Allister Explains Jersey Number Choice After Turning Down Steven Gerrard’s Iconic Number

Liverpool’s new signing, Alexis Mac Allister has explained the rationale behind picking the club’s number 10 jersey, after turning down Steven Gerrard’s iconic number 8 jersey.

The Argentine World Cup winner signed a five-year deal with Jurgen Klopp’s side, making a switch from Brighton & Hove Albion for about £35m transfer fee.

Becoming the eighth player to wear the 10 number for Liverpool since squad numbers were introduced during the Premier League era, Mac Allister admits he could have taken on another iconic Liverpool jersey before deciding on a number to which he has grown accustomed.

“I know how important number 10 is in football,” said Mac Allister. “I had the possibility to take the number eight as well which is a big number for this club because of (Steven) Gerrard of course.

“But I decided on number 10 as I’ve used it a lot of time in Argentina and Brighton, under-23s for the national team as well. It’s a number I really like and that’s why I chose it.”

The shirt has been vacant since last summer when Sadio Mane, who won six major honours during seven years at Liverpool, departed for Bayern Munich. Previously, Phillipe Coutinho wore the jersey, before which it had been handed to Joe Cole and Andriy Voronin.