We talk in the family. Even in the streets of the pampas. And the explosion of his game, of his football, of his goals, of his present, perhaps raises concern for other parts of the football planet. What does Alexis Mac Allister look like? At first glance, none. Carlos Javier, “El Colo”, is known, left back, putter, great personality, of Argentinos, Boca and also of the national team. Francesco, the eldest of the three successors, central midfielder, clean, tactical, productive. Kevin, the one in the center, to the side, also with that bloodstain. and alessio?

His goal in the national team, opening a key crossing with Poland, entering from the center of the area to hit from the right and make it 1-0, places him among the top titles in Lionel Scaloni’s team, who bet on 23 – one year old from Pampas of English Brighton. He plays as a midfielder, but seems to play everything. Like who?

Like his maternal grandfather, mother Silvina’s father. Yes, he talks about it in his family, it is discussed among the football fans of the pampas. Alexis is a carbon copy of “Pocho”, by Carlos Alberto Riela, one of those city cracks, from indoor clubsof clay courts and games without stands, with fans pressed against the fence and neighbors honking their horns from above their cars.

“Pocho” broke everything at the Club Deportivo Cochicó, in Victorica, the city where all of Alexis’ maternal family comes from. “He played everything, as a central scorer, a five-man, as a midfielder, as a batsman … A spectacular punch. Alexis also runs the same”, he says clarion a relative of Argentina’s number 20.

Riela, the grandfather, was also a well-known plastic artist and painter. His work is reflected in a walk in the access to Victorica, a city located 150 kilometers northwest of Santa Rosa. Born in 1942, he was also a great bandoneon player, musician and teacher. The color: Cochicó, his club, Riela, wear the same shirt as River.

More data? For those who believe in blessings, Alexis was born on December 24, Christmas Eve. For those who believe almost everything, “Pocho” lived for a time at Villa Fiorito, with one of his sisters, and “Ale” debuted in Primera on October 30, with the La Paternal jacket.

Likewise, the Rielas hold back and clarify: “Here they always talk about it, because both Javier (“El Colo”), like the boys, play in other positions. But be careful, it’s a mix, Alexis’ game has all his grandfather’s technique but the sacred fire of football was given to him by Mac Allister, ha,” adds one of the uncles.

The whole family is in Doha, Qatar, alongside Alexis. Along with parents and siblings, there is Patricio, “Pato”, who also had his time as a player in the First Division of Argentine football, with his move through Argentinos and Estudiantes, among others. On the eve of the triumph against Poland, everyone posed for a photo in the stands of the 974 stadium.

Alexis, like his brothers, became a footballer at Argentinos Juniors, in that game school which had the famous Club Parque, led by Ramón Maddoni, as its satellite ally. Already as a boy, Alexis’ position, with a 10, painted him as the different one from the back of the family.

Mac Allister, who after his appearance at El Bicho and good time at Boca, has arrived in the Premier League. And his arrival in the national team was gradual, but just in time when the starter in that role, Gio Lo Celso, fell due to an injury.

“The first match (2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia) was a blow that caught us in time. We started to trust the group a little more. We are back to being the same team as we once were. We didn’t despair,” he said after the match. 2-0 this Wednesday. The victory sanctioned the classification of the Albiceleste in the round of 16 as leader of group C, with six points.

“It was a great happiness, not only for me, but for the group. In the first half we dominated, we found a good game, we were patient, we were serene, unfortunately we didn’t concede,” he added.

“Then, in the second half, That second goal arrived, which is very important to continue to maintain serenity and demonstrate once again that we play football well.”closed the pampano, who did not miss the opportunity to say goodbye to his payments.

Riela died in 1996, two years before Alexis was born. “It makes me happy to represent La Pampa, I know they are seeing me there too.” Yes, and when they see him, they also see grandfather “Pocho”.

GL