Alexis Mac Allister has revealed the three-figure target which is keeping him at the heart of the action for Albion. The midfielder has been told to get at least 100 touches of the ball per game in Roberto De Zerbi’s system. His 137 involvements against Tottenham was the second most by any Premier League player this season, Mac Allister’s position has not changed under De Zerbi but the demands have.
Alexis Mac Allister said: “The first week they were here, Roberto’s assistant coach told me, ‘You have to touch the ball 100, 120 times in a match’. I said, ‘You are crazy, that’s impossible’. And then you can see that I do it. It’s the way Roberto wants me to play. I am really happy because I like to be on the ball every time. But we need to win, that is the most important thing.”
Mac Allister says he has been given extra responsibility as he accepts possession in deep areas, often with opponents close by.
Alexis Mac Allister added: “We know he wants to build up from the back and then have that superiority at the front. Try to play between Moises and me and then find whoever is playing as a ten – Pascal, Solly, Leo, Lallana or Danny, That is the idea. I think you can see it and we are happy with that way to play football. But, like every football player, we want to win and we will try it again on Saturday.”
Albion face the ultimate test as they go to champions Manchester City.
Alexis Mac Allister said: “The goals will come. We have to stick with the way we want to play and we are fully behind Roberto.”
