>
Alexis Mac Allister makes a resounding promise to Brighton fans after scoring twice to lead the Seagulls past Middlesbrough to a sure FA Cup win 20 days after lifting the World Cup with Argentina
- Alexis Mac Allister scored twice in Brighton’s 5–1 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough
- It was just 20 days after he lifted the World Cup trophy with his native Argentina.
- The midfielder promised his future to the Seagulls despite rumors of departure
- Brighton face either Liverpool or Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round
For Brighton fans, what Alexis Mac Allister said on Saturday will have meant as much as what he did.
Twenty days after winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, the midfielder was in north-east England scoring twice for his club in a resounding FA Cup victory.
However, if that wasn’t enough for Brighton supporters, Mac Allister gave them even more to celebrate, declaring: “I’m so happy to be a part of this club and to be in this city, so I’ll continue to give it my all.” .’
Alexis Mac Allister pledged his future to Brighton after scoring twice in a 5-1 FA Cup win
Of course, such sentiments do not guarantee that he will still be a Brighton player at the end of this month’s transfer window.
But it should give fans hope that they will be able to see a World Cup winner at their club for at least a few more months. And if his cameo in Middlesbrough is any good, you’re in luck.
“He has come back from the World Cup with a swagger,” a Brighton official said after the match.
And that swagger was there for all to see with the way he finished for his first goal, and Brighton’s third, just 13 minutes after being introduced from the bench.
Middlesbrough’s victory was just 20 days after Argentina’s 20th lifted the World Cup
With his back to goal, Mac Allister deflected Pervis Estupinan’s deflected shot into the bottom corner with a daring kick from his boot.
“It was a good goal,” said Mac Allister. “Confidence is everything in a soccer player and my confidence is very high.”
Mac Allister’s second was a more traditional finish from Pascal Gross’ cut, which justifies Roberto De Zerbi playing it further up the field.
The Brighton manager, whose team will face either Liverpool or Wolves in the fourth round, said: “Before the World Cup, I used him in midfield to build the game. Now that he is higher he can help us find the last pass and find the goal.
Roberto De Zerbi said he was using the taller Mac Allister on the pitch after his return from Qatar.