Alexis Mac Allister is reported to feel “unfairly singled out” after widespread criticism of his performances this season, despite proof of a worrying decline.
Mac Allister has been among those most heavily criticised for his performances in an awful season for Liverpool, having been a standout in their title-winning campaign.
The Argentine is perceived to have lost a step physically, which played a major role in the gaps opening up in Arne Slot‘s midfield game after game.
Sky Sports data shows Mac Allister’s output in terms of top speed (31.38 km/h), average speed (6.62 km/h) and pressures per 90 minutes (38.1) was at the lowest it has been in his three seasons at Liverpool so far.
But The Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that the 27-year-old “felt that he had been unfairly singled out for criticism” during a difficult run for the team.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister ties his boot lace before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Pearce himself describes Mac Allister as “a glaring weak link in midfield” in 2025/26, which only serves to highlight the concerns over Liverpool’s No. 10.
The player clearly feels scrutiny over his performances has been overblown, with it notable that he took to Instagram to acknowledge his 150 appearances for the club after the final game of the season.
Mac Allister wrote: “150 games in only three seasons.
“Enjoyed every single minute of it and worked really hard to be available and help the team. Thank you for your constant support.”
Overuse of players was a hallmark of Slot’s nightmare second season in charge, not least in midfield with few trusted to start consistently.
Why Slot’s overuse of Mac Allister may have led to issues
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, centre, and manager Arne Slot, left, discuss the midfielder's disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest (Nick Potts/PA)
Only Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and, to a lesser extent, Curtis Jones were turned to regularly as the likes of Wataru Endo and youngster Trey Nyoni were overlooked.
Averaging 50 games per season over three consecutive campaigns will undoubtedly take its toll, particularly for a player who will turn 28 this year and is asked to cover vast spaces in Slot’s structure.
Mac Allister has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with Real Madrid holding historic interest, but it remains to be seen if he will depart.
However there is uncertainty over his long-term future as, though Gravenberch has signed a new long-term contract and talks are underway with Szoboszlai, the club have not made an approach to extend his own deal beyond 2028.