Andoni Iraola speaks on Alexis Mac Allister's situation as Liverpool get set to host Arsenal on Sunday

Andoni Iraola says he was happy to hear "top player" Alexis Mac Allister indirectly reveal a desire to extend his Liverpool contract last month.

Mac Allister spoke before the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid in early September about his frustrations at not being offered a new deal by the club.

The in-form Argentina international said on September 8: “I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which of course makes me very, very sad."

Iraola says the main thing he took from that particular press conference was that he was pleased to hear the midfielder is looking to stay put on Merseyside as the head coach explained what he feels the former Brighton star gives his team.

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"Mac Allister, I always say, he understands the game overall," Iraola said. "Not just the demands of his position but what is happening overall.

"Sometimes he is the first to correct his team-mates live, not just the one that is next to him. He understands what is happening which is a very good quality to have.

"You mention the press conference (before the Atletico Madrid game), I was there also after him. The most important thing from it was that he wants to stay here.

"He wants to be at his best so he can continue helping us, no?

"He is a player who has achieved what he has achieved to be clear with his intentions is very good for us. I appreciate him and he is a top player."