Arne Slot must drop Alexis Mac Allister and play Florian Wirtz in his best position if Liverpool are to save their season.
That is the view of former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant, who has blasted the Dutchman for his team selection after a disappointing 1-0 away defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Despite enduring a difficult season, Mac Allister made his 42nd appearance of the campaign against Galatasaray
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Despite enduring a difficult season, Mac Allister made his 42nd appearance of the campaign against GalatasarayCredit: Getty
The Premier League champions endured another difficult moment this season, as Mario Lemina's early header left them with an uphill task heading into the second leg of their last 16 tie.
It piled the pressure on Liverpool boss Slot, who has come under fire amid his side's poor title defence this term.
This was the Reds' 13th defeat of the campaign, who lost just seven times in all competitions in their title-winning season last year.
While the result itself was disappointing, it was the manner of performance which drew criticism, with Slot's team being called out for a lack of intensity and conviction in their play.
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'Play him in his position'
But for former Liverpool man Pennant, his biggest frustration came from Slot's starting XI against Galatasaray.
In a familiar sight, £116million summer signing Wirtz was deployed on the left wing, despite his preferred position being the no.10 role.
The playmaker has been played out wide on several occasions this term, though he has arguably found his best form in attacking midfield.
Another star who has routinely been played out of position is midfielder Szoboszlai, who featured at right-back for the ninth time this season against Galatasaray.
Discussing this on the latest episode of talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool show, Pennant fumed: “It’s frustrating when you see these selections at times.
“Putting Dominik Szoboszlai at right back, or Wirtz on the left or right - play him in his position!
Wirtz struggled to make an impact on the wing against Galatasaray and was substituted on 73 minutes
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Wirtz struggled to make an impact on the wing against Galatasaray and was substituted on 73 minutesCredit: Getty
Dominik Szoboszlai playing for Liverpool
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Szoboszlai has been sacrificed in the Reds' midfield on numerous occasions this seasonCredit: Getty
“Play our best players in their best positions to get the best out of them. And if you've got to drop certain players who are not performing, then do it."
Pennant: Mac Allister has been 'a shell of himself'
Naming who he feels should be taken out of the Reds' starting XI to facilitate this, Pennant pointed to Mac Allister.
After being one of Liverpool's most consistent performers in their title-winning campaign, he has endured a worrying drop-off in form this season and was criticised for his display against Galatasaray.
And Pennant called on Slot to bench both him to get the best out of his squad.
He continued: “For me, Mac Allister, he’s been a shell of himself. Salah’s been a shell of himself.
"So if you want Wirtz to play, put him in the 10, and drop Mac Allister - it’s not hard.
Alexis Mac Allister
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Mac Allister has endured a mixed season at Anfield this campaignCredit: Getty
“Then you can either play Gakpo, or you can play Rio Ngumoha on the left."
With their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, Liverpool also finding themselves fighting to qualify for the competition next term.
Currently sixth in the Premier League, they are locked in a battle with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United to finish in the top five - which is likely to be the cut-off point for qualification.
With just nine games remaining of their league season, Pennant called on Slot to address his selection issues before it is too late.
Finishing off, he urged: “I think he needs to really start taking a handle of this team.
“I was glad that he took off Mo Salah after 59 minutes because it shows that he's got a bit about him. [If] Mo ain’t playing well, there’s no point keeping him on the pitch for a full 80 or 90, maybe change things up.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK
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Slot has faced question marks over his future at Liverpool after a disappointing campaignCredit: Getty
“But playing Wirtz on the left, you’re losing what his capabilities are. You’re losing the best out of him
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“It’s like putting Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back - you lose his energy in midfield.
“The season’s almost over and we’re still talking about this, and it’s really frustrating.”
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