Alexis Mac Allister could find himself under the spotlight this summer as Liverpool closely monitor his performances at the World Cup.
The Argentine endured what many supporters considered a disappointing season at Anfield, with questions raised about both his form and his long-term future at the club.
However, there remains a belief within Liverpool that the midfielder’s struggles may not have been entirely his own fault.
Instead, some at the club will be keen to see whether Mac Allister looks more like his old self when playing for Argentina.
A Chance to Answer Questions
For Mac Allister, the World Cup presents an opportunity to remind everyone of the qualities that made him such a highly regarded player.
This is, after all, a footballer who played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup-winning side and was widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s smartest midfielders before arriving at Liverpool.
Those abilities do not simply disappear overnight.
That is why Liverpool will be watching closely.
If Mac Allister produces strong performances for his country, it may strengthen the argument that his difficulties at Anfield were more tactical than personal.
Were Liverpool’s Tactics the Problem?
One of the biggest debates among supporters this season has centred around how Mac Allister was used.
Many felt he was asked to perform roles that did not maximise his strengths.
Rather than being allowed to dictate play, create chances and influence attacks, he often appeared restricted within Liverpool’s system.
As a result, his performances rarely reached the level supporters expected.
The World Cup could provide a useful comparison.
If he thrives in Argentina’s setup, Liverpool may conclude that the issue was not the player, but the environment around him.
Iraola Will Be Paying Attention
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is also likely to take a keen interest in Mac Allister’s performances.
The Spaniard will want to assess every member of his squad before making major decisions about the future.
A strong tournament could significantly improve Mac Allister’s standing ahead of pre-season.
It would also provide valuable evidence as Iraola considers how best to use him within his own tactical system.
Transfer Speculation Continues
Reports linking Mac Allister with interest from elsewhere have not disappeared.
Several clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation, and Liverpool would almost certainly receive significant offers if they made him available.
However, the club may be reluctant to make any major decisions until after the World Cup.
The tournament could either reinforce concerns surrounding his form or completely change the conversation.
A Crucial Summer
For Mac Allister, this could be one of the most important periods of his Liverpool career.
A strong World Cup would remind everyone of his quality and potentially silence some of the criticism that emerged during the season.
For Liverpool, it could provide reassurance that there is still a top-class midfielder waiting to be unlocked under Iraola.
The coming weeks may therefore tell Liverpool far more about Alexis Mac Allister than the past season did.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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