Alexis Mac Allister admits he thought about taking the shirt number of a Liverpool legend

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Alexis Mac Allister has admitted that he had thought about taking the vacant No.8 shirt upon signing for Liverpool.

The Argentine was confirmed as Liverpool’s first addition of the summer window this morning. As expected, he’s chosen to wear the No.10 at Anfield, last worn by the legendary Sadio Mane.

But speaking to LFCTV in his first interview for the club, Mac Allister said he almost took the shirt of an even bigger Liverpool legend.

“I know how important is No.10 in football. I had the possibility to take the No.8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of Gerrard of course,” said the 24-year-old.

“But I decided for No.10 because I used it a lot of times in Argentina, in Brighton, u23s national team as well. It’s a number I really like and that’s why I chose it.”

Alexis makes his choice

What a morning for Liverpool fans, Alexis is finally, officially a Red! Fans had been waiting a while to see their new No.10 presented and will be delighted to finally see him in the new kit.

With some big numbers now available at Anfield, and being the first through the door this summer, Mac Allister had a real choice in his shirt number.

As he mentioned, Naby Keita’s former No.8 shirt is free, but so is James Milner’s 7 and Roberto Firmino’s 9.

But the 10 always felt like the most likely choice. As Mac Allister says, it’s a number he’s familiar with, and one that actually carries a little less weight at Liverpool than perhaps other clubs.

Several players have worn it with distinction, including Michael Owen, Luis Garcia, Philippe Coutinho and Mane. But the scope is certainly there for Mac Allister to make it his own.

On the other hand, as we saw with Keita, the No.8 can weigh a player down. Naby was the first player to wear the number since Gerrard, and failed to get near the former skipper’s legacy.

It will take a brave man who eventually picks up that baton. Perhaps that’s something we’ll see later in the window. For now though, it’s time to enjoy our new No.10. Welcome, Alexis!