The atmosphere at Anfield has been compared by Alexis Mac Allister to that of Boca Juniors’ illustrious stadium La Bombonera.
Liverpool’s new number ten, who joined the club from Brighton in a £35 million transfer last summer, made his home debut in the victory over Bournemouth last month.
The 24-year-old has already appeared twice at Anfield as a Liverpool player, and this weekend’s match against West Ham will be his third.
Due to delays in the full reopening of the Anfield Road Stand, the stadium is still not at capacity, but Mac Allister has been pleased with what he has seen so far.
He described his time at Anfield as “incredible” in an interview with the Argentine publication Clarin. “Sincerely, it is hard to describe, but I encourage everyone to go if they ever have the chance.
“As you mentioned, the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ provides a very powerful introduction.
Still, I’ve only played twice; it’s not much. However, I wanted to take my time both times, so I started to listen as well as take a quick glance at all the spectators and what was going on. It’s amazing. In actuality, I’ve really enjoyed it.
“There is no doubt that it is a legendary football stadium, and I hope I can enjoy it for many years.”
When questioned about the atmospheres at Anfield and La Bombonera, another legendary stadium and the home of his former team Boca Juniors, Mac Allister acknowledged that there are similarities between the two, despite the fact that the ways in which fans in the two nations express themselves can be very dissimilar.
“Yes, I believe there is a similarity between them, and I think it is clearly the passion with which they approach the game,” Mac Allister remarked.
“Apart from that, I believe the way we support our teams creates two very distinct atmospheres. In Argentina, singing frequently and writing songs are very common.
“Perhaps they are not as accustomed to it in England; perhaps it is more the shouting and the emotion and how it propels the team ahead. But there’s no denying that they both have gorgeous atmospheres. However, I believe there is a point of comparison, and it is the fervor with which people play football and their support for the team.”