Liverpool’s midfield could be set to change once again this summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson likely to become a topic.
The former Newcastle starlet has grown to become one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders and looks destined for a big move.
Having dropped off alarmingly from the player who was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award last season, Alexis Mac Allister has looked most vulnerable of being replaced at Liverpool.
Got a horrible feeling Slot is going to keep Gakpo in the XI and drop Salah 😬 Who should be the front four vs Forest?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Whether that is by Anderson or someone else, Reds fans have begun to see the Argentine as something of a liability in the middle of the pitch.
Although he has struggled for much of the campaign, Mac Allister has improved recently, though, and as he looks to get back to his former self, Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest – and a head-to-head clash with Anderson – should remind supporters that their No. 10 is still the best fit in Arne Slot’s team.
Mac Allister can lay down a marker in Nottingham
With all three players signed in 2023, Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are in need of new contracts at Liverpool.
After his performances for much of the season, plenty of supporters will not be too disappointed if Mac Allister is not offered an extension and is instead replaced by someone of Anderson’s ilk.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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But that should not reflect the reality of Liverpool’s position. Mac Allister has been such an important figure since his £35m arrival two-and-a-half years ago, and while Anderson is an exciting prospect, the World Cup winner is a tried, tested and trusted player.
At 27, there should not be any danger that Mac Allister’s legs are giving up on him, and as recent signs have pointed towards, he can still get back to his very best.
He has hardly been alone in being off his game this season, and the Liverpool fans who are ready to give up on him after one bad year should revise their position. This is a player who every team in the country would love to have, and as he prepares to face off against Anderson on Sunday, he can send a timely reminder of that.
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Alexis Mac Allister during Brentford v Liverpool - Premier League
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No signs of Liverpool giving up on Mac Allister
Even during his difficult spells this season, Slot has continued to pick Mac Allister. If it were solely up to the Liverpool head coach, the former Brighton man would clearly be going nowhere.
With two years to go on his contract in the summer, though, something will have to give soon.
On his form this season, many would argue that Mac Allister is not deserving of an extension which would take him beyond the age of 30.
But there have been suggestions that Liverpool are in discussions over a new deal for all three of him, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. Unless there is pushback from Mac Allister himself, there is no reason his future at Anfield should not be secured.
If he leaves, the Argentina international will only do so to join a top team, and while Liverpool could possibly do with a new midfielder to put pressure on the others – and potentially replace Curtis Jones – this should not come at Mac Allister’s expense. Anderson may yet be the future, but ‘Macca’ can show on Sunday that he is still very much the present.
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