Alexis Mac Allister played a pivotal role for Liverpool in beating Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League bout. Apart from the winning goal, he also delivered a performance to reveal that his struggle with match fitness is over.
The Argentine’s struggle with fitness in the early stages of the season significantly contributed to Liverpool’s recent slump. Liverpool lacked balance in midfield, which allowed the opposition more chances to dictate the game and get the results.
Mac Allister played a key role in Arne Slot’s first season as a head coach, winning a Premier League title. The 26-year-old’s pre-season was disrupted due to an injury he carried from the last season, leading to the current predicament.
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is celebrating his goal against Real Madrid with teammate Hugo Ekitike (L).
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is celebrating his goal against Real Madrid with teammate Hugo Ekitike (L).
Various factors have plagued Liverpool, resulting in six losses in all competitions so far this season. From new signings taking time to adjust to the new environment to established essential players like Mac Allister facing fitness issues, the accumulation of everything has proved costly for the Reds and their ambition to defend the Premier League title.
The Reds are seven points behind league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table right now. The situation could change, but Liverpool cannot afford to drop more points frivolously, and consistency will play a big role.
Player of the match performance against Real Madrid
This is the reason why many fans are finding Mac Allister’s resurgence as a positive development for Liverpool’s season. The reliable trinity of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mac Allister in midfield is essential for the Premier League winners.
That midfield trio played a key role against Real, dominating the midfield on and off the ball to secure the victory. According to Fotmob, Mac Allister enjoyed 91% passing accuracy from 35 attempts, making four passes into the final third.
The Argentina international had 52 touches and a 100% successful dribble rate, covering 9.3 km during the game. Furthermore, the 26-year-old made three tackles, one block, one interception, and two recoveries to fulfil his defensive duties.
Mac Allister won 50% of his ground duels in his goalscoring performance and received a well-deserved rest when Slot substituted him in the 79th minute. The Reds want the Argentine to now focus on consistency after he successfully regained match fitness.
Slot’s midfield conundrum
Mac Allister’s revival and Szoboszlai’s form raise the question of whether Slot should prioritise playing with the established midfield trio. This would mean that Slot will play Florian Wirtz as an attacking left-winger with a freer role, as he did against Real.
The 22-year-old German delivered one of his best performances in the Reds jersey since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen. Midfield will play a key role going ahead, as Liverpool intends to go into the international break with three wins.
The Reds will face Manchester City next in the Premier League clash, putting them against one of the title favourites. As for Mac Allister, the Argentine needs to back his in-form partners, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, while overshadowing the defensive vulnerability that has persisted at the back this season.