'You just shocked me' - Paul Merson and Jeff Stelling heap praise on in-form Brighton talent

Sky Sports duo Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson have heaped praise on Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister for his recent run of form.
Alexis Mac Allister. (Photo by Andrew Boyers - Pool/Getty Images)Alexis Mac Allister. (Photo by Andrew Boyers - Pool/Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister. (Photo by Andrew Boyers - Pool/Getty Images)

The Seagulls have been badly hit by injuries in recent weeks, forcing manager Graham Potter to turn to certain members of his squad who have otherwise struggled for minutes.

As a result, Mac Allister has started six of Albion’s last eight Premier League matches, and played a key role in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

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Focusing in on that match during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, host Stelling said: “Graham Potter’s had a great run, but I always wonder if he got a bit lucky here.

"Against Spurs, I thought Alexis Mac Allister was just outstanding, but he’s almost been forced to play him because of injuries.

"That was his fifth start after making four starts in two years before that. He gives them some energy, doesn’t he?”

Merson responded: “He’s a good footballer, but you have to be a good football at Brighton. They're a good footballing team.

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"You just shocked me with what you just said. I didn’t think he’d been there that long and hadn’t played that many games.

"He’s a good footballer. He gives, he goes, he gets it, and then he doesn’t rush. When you’re in the actual game and it’s 100 miles per hour, he slows himself down.

"I think he’s a good player, and he’s been playing very, very well.

"Sometimes you get lucky as a manager. If all the players are fit, who’s to say we would never have seen him?

"Fair play to him, he’s taken his opportunity as well.”