Alexis Mac Allister is the new hero on the Kop as he was confirmed as Liverpool's first signing of the summer on Thursday morning.
The World Cup winner completed his switch to Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee believed to be in the region of £35 million and has taken the number 10 shirt.
Jurgen Klopp has started his summer rebuild by bringing in the energetic Argentinian and will now be hoping to make more additions to make Liverpool Premier League title challengers again.
Mac Allister was Klopp's top midfield target heading into the summer as Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone are now being looked as potential incomings.
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The ECHO spoke to Sussex Live's Brighton reporter, Mark Wyatt, about the 24-year-old and what he could bring to Klopp's side.
ECHO: Alexis Mac Allister's move to Liverpool seems to be close to completion, was he always destined to shine for one of England's biggest clubs?
Wyatt: "Probably not, but that only goes to show how far ahead Brighton's recruitment team have been in recent years compared to the majority of Premier League clubs. There's no doubt he has improved year on year since he first kicked a ball for the Seagulls, but supporters likely couldn't have foreseen quite how quickly his stock has risen in just the last ten months."
ECHO: Does Mac Allister have the ability to help push Liverpool to challenge for the title again?
Wyatt: "He certainly has the ability to perform at the top level but pushing Manchester City at the top will require more than just the Argentinian being at his best. He could be an important accessory in any team given the game time and freedom to do what he does best in midfield."
ECHO: Will he fit into Jurgen Klopp's high press midfield?
Wyatt: "All of the data and numbers behind his performances for Brighton in recent seasons would suggest he'll fit like a duck to water. His 70 tackles in the Premier League this season was more than any Liverpool midfielder, and he can be incredibly front-footed in midfield when winning back the ball."
ECHO: If the reported £45 million fee is correct, how much of a bargain are Liverpool getting?
Wyatt: "I'd be hesitant to call £45million a bargain considering Brighton paid around £7million for his services initially, though given his status as a World Cup winner and hitting double digits for goals in the league this season, he's an excellent signing. Albion will still likely be pleased at the fee they are receiving, which shows their transfer model and scouting network is still working perfectly."
ECHO: It looks as though Moises Caicedo will be on the move this summer, who has had more of an impact out of him and Mac Allister?
Wyatt: "Caicedo passes the eye test more often than not and is a consistent performer for Brighton, especially in their own half where he breaks up play and moves the ball brilliantly. Mac Allister though has the goal threat and flair that comes from a natural No 10. It's a difficult call but I'd say Mac Allister had the bigger impact just about. His goals ended up earning Brighton five points this season, without them, they'd have finished ninth.
ECHO: What are Mac Allister's biggest strengths and what does he need to work on?
Wyatt: "Winning possession in midfield and making short passes to teammates in space at the precise moment are among Mac Allister's best attributes. Incidentally, his progressive passing (passes into the penalty area and passes towards the opposition goal that travel a minimum 10 yards) is an area of the game he could improve on."
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