Argentina’s comfortable 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria produced plenty of positives, but from a Liverpool perspective one performance stood out above the rest.
Alexis Mac Allister.
While others grabbed headlines with goals and attacking moments, Mac Allister quietly controlled the game from the deepest midfield position.
And it raised an interesting question for Liverpool supporters:
Should this be his long-term role at Anfield?
The Dictator of the Game
Football supporters often talk about players who “dictate” matches.
Mac Allister is one of those players.
Against Algeria, he operated as Argentina’s No.6 and constantly controlled the rhythm of the game.
He was always available for the ball.
Always scanning.
Always finding the right pass.
And always ensuring Argentina maintained control.
The deeper role seemed to suit him perfectly.
Rather than chasing the game, he was directing it.
More Than Just a Defensive Midfielder
One reason Mac Allister is so effective in the position is because he offers far more than traditional defensive qualities.
He is not simply a ball-winner.
He understands space.
He reads danger early.
And perhaps most importantly, he knows how to progress possession.
Against Algeria, Argentina repeatedly built attacks through him.
Whenever pressure arrived, he remained calm.
Whenever Argentina needed control, he provided it.
Liverpool’s Best Defensive Midfielder?
It is something I have said before and still believe now.
At this moment, Alexis Mac Allister may be Liverpool’s best defensive midfielder.
That is not because he is the strongest tackler in the squad.
It is because defensive midfield is about much more than tackling.
The best No.6s prevent problems before they happen.
They position themselves correctly.
They recycle possession.
They control transitions.
And they dictate tempo.
Mac Allister does all of those things exceptionally well.
What Argentina Taught Us
Argentina’s performance offered a useful reminder of what makes Mac Allister special.
Too often discussions focus on his creativity higher up the pitch.
But his intelligence in deeper areas can be equally valuable.
Against Algeria he showed:
● Excellent positional discipline
● Calmness under pressure
● Progressive passing
● Defensive awareness
● Leadership in possession
It was a complete midfield display.
Could Iraola Use Him There?
This is where things become fascinating.
Andoni Iraola’s arrival gives Liverpool a fresh opportunity to reassess roles within the squad.
Mac Allister has often been used in a variety of midfield positions.
But perhaps his best role is the one Argentina continue to trust him with.
A deep-lying playmaker who controls games from the base of midfield.
With Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai capable of operating further forward, there is certainly an argument for allowing Mac Allister to become Liverpool’s primary No.6.
A Role Worth Exploring
Liverpool supporters have spent much of the summer discussing new midfield signings.
Perhaps one solution is already in the squad.
Mac Allister’s performance against Algeria was another reminder that elite midfielders do not always dominate games through goals or assists.
Sometimes they dominate through control.
And very few players control football matches quite like Alexis Mac Allister.
If Argentina’s 3-0 victory taught us anything, it is that Liverpool may already possess the ideal No.6.
The question is whether Andoni Iraola sees it the same way.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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