Alexis Mac Allister wants to see more magic from a fellow midfielder.

But he hopes to leave him on the losing side when they meet up in Argentina.

Mac Allister and Steven Alzate will be in rival camps at a World Cup qualifier in Cordoba on Tuesday.

Both have been recalled to national squads, Mac Allister by Argentina and Alzate by Colombia.

Mac Allister’s recall came when Leo Messi was allowed to pull out as he recovers from Covid.

Meanwhile Alzate has bounced back from a lengthy injury lay-off to impress in recent outings.

Mac Allister told BBC Radio Sussex: “Steven is a really good guy, a really good player, so happy for him to be again in the Colombian squad.

“Hopefully Argentina will win but all the best for him!”

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Alzate has added to the competition in midfield with Adam Lallana, Enock Mwepu and Yves Bissouma all poised to return soon.

Mac Allister said: “I think everyone is fighting for the place and it’s good for the group.

“We know we have to keep working, to work hard and he did it.

“I’m happy for him because he is getting minutes.

“He is doing it really well and hopefully we will see more from him.”