The Argentine midfielder opened up on his tactical positioning while preparing for a vital international knockout fixture in North America.
Uncertainty surrounds the long term future of the midfield star on Merseyside. Alexis Mac Allister experienced a difficult individual campaign under Arne Slot before the head coach lost his job. New boss Andoni Iraola now commands the Anfield dugout, leaving several squad members facing a defining summer window.
Andoni Iraola faces immediate tactical dilemma amid World Cup action as £65m-rated Alexis Mac Allister outlines preferred Liverpool role.
Andoni Iraola faces immediate tactical dilemma amid World Cup action as £65m-rated Alexis Mac Allister outlines preferred Liverpool role. [Image via BBC]
The playmaker has two years remaining on his current contract. Anfield chiefs have not tabled a fresh extension offer yet. Rumors long linked the player with a high-profile switch to Spain. Real Madrid held genuine interest, but the landscape altered when Jose Mourinho took the reins in Madrid this month.
The Spanish giants snapped up Bernardo Silva on a free transfer from Manchester City. They also chose to explore a big money move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez instead, and that leaves the current Liverpool man focused on international duties. Argentina faces Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32 on Friday.
Positional shifts shape the midfield landscape ahead of pre-season
Mac Allister featured heavily last term, playing multiple roles across the central area. That differed from his previous partnership alongside Ryan Gravenberch, where he operated deeply. The midfielder spoke to ESPN channel Ball Knowledge regarding his preferred tactical deployment on the pitch.
He explained that he operated as a traditional number ten during his youth days in South America. A diamond system allowed him to flourish closer to the opposition goal. Moving to English football forced a deeper shift into a box to box number eight role due to the sheer pace.
“I like to do a bit of everything and try to help the team wherever I can,”Mac Allister admitted during the interview. He stated a clear desire to remain close to the ball during possession. He explicitly named a double six setup as his absolute best position on the pitch.
The midfielder also revealed his admiration for specific European rivals. He praised Barcelona prodigy Pedri for showing the world how to play proper football. He highlighted Paris Saint-Germain partners Vitinha and Joao Neves for their smart work on the ball and intelligence.