Argentina and Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister explains the differences between Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter and why he was amazed by Daniele De Rossi.

The 23-year-old is part of the Argentinean squad in Qatar and described De Zerbi’s methods in an interview with Tuttosport newspaper.

The Italian tactician signed a four-year deal with Brighton in September, replacing Potter who had joined Chelsea.

“They have many things in common. Both want to keep possession and press high, but in terms of daily work, it’s all different,” said Mac Allister.

“De Zerbi is more focused on tactics, his sessions are less heavy physically, but you must always be focused on a mental level. Both methods are intriguing, both are extraordinary coaches.

“During Roberto’s first days, we struggled to find the style of play he required, but now we have improved and all of England, I would say all of Europe, can see that we play good football and have interesting ideas.

“It’s not easy to play against us, even for teams up there in the Premier League table. Man City and Arsenal know they’ll have to fight hard when they meet us.”

The Argentina international is a product of Argentinos Juniors academy but played for six months at Boca before joining Brighton in January 2020.

During his spell at the Bombonera, he shared the dressing room with Italy legend Daniele De Rossi, who has now been appointed as SPAL coach in Serie B.

“I remember July 2019 when people at Boca were talking about one thing: Daniele De Rossi. In the dressing room, we thought that he was just one of the many Europeans who said he was supporting the team and would never really join us.”

However, De Rossi did sign for Boca in the summer of 2019 before hanging his boots in January 2020.

“He was ‘an Argentino mas’, one of us really. He was speaking perfect Spanish even with the Bonaerense accent. Incredible,” said the Argentinean midfielder.

“It was so nice to hug him before the Finalissima against Italy [in June]. I had no doubts he’d become a coach. You could feel his leadership and becoming a coach is the natural consequence of an extraordinary career. For sure, he will do well.”

De Rossi played seven games for Boca, scoring one goal.

The former Roma midfielder has won one of his six games in charge of SPAL, drawing three and losing two, including the last Serie B meeting with Benevento, cached by Italy 2006 captain Fabio Cannavaro.

READ MORE: WHAT WE’VE LEARNED FROM DE ROSSI’S FIRST GAMES AS A COACH

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