Liverpool supporters will finally get to see Alexis Mac Allister back at the AXA Training Centre on Monday.
According to Jack Lusby, the Argentine midfielder is due to return to Liverpool and begin his pre-season preparations following his extended break after the World Cup.
For supporters, it will be a welcome sight.
But it also raises an obvious question:
Why has Mac Allister taken so long to return when Lionel Messi was back playing for Inter Miami weeks earlier?
Messi Was Back Much Sooner
The comparison is difficult to ignore.
Messi and Mac Allister both represented Argentina at the World Cup and both went all the way to the final.
Yet Messi returned to club football considerably earlier.
He was back involved with Inter Miami within a couple of weeks of Argentina’s World Cup campaign ending, while Mac Allister has been given a considerably longer period away from Liverpool.
That naturally leaves supporters wondering whether Liverpool could have had their midfielder back sooner.
But The Situations Aren’t Identical
There are important differences to consider.
Messi’s situation at Inter Miami is not directly comparable to Mac Allister’s at Liverpool.
MLS scheduling, Inter Miami’s workload, Messi’s individual fitness programme and the club’s medical management can all be different.
Liverpool also have a responsibility to manage Mac Allister carefully after an extremely demanding season.
The midfielder has played a huge amount of football for both club and country.
Giving him additional recovery time is therefore understandable.
The World Cup Final Matters
Mac Allister’s extended break is also a consequence of how far Argentina went.
Reaching the World Cup final means his tournament lasted until the very end.
Liverpool’s new season is approaching quickly, but the club also have to consider the long-term health of one of their most important midfielders.
There is little point rushing him back for a few pre-season matches if it increases the risk of injury later in the campaign.
Liverpool Need Him Back
Nevertheless, the timing does create a genuine sporting issue.
Liverpool are already trying to build a new midfield under Andoni Iraola.
The new manager needs time to work with his senior players.
He needs to establish tactical relationships.
And he needs his key players to understand his demands before competitive football begins.
Mac Allister missing a large part of pre-season inevitably makes that process more difficult.
Iraola Will Be Delighted to See Him
Mac Allister is exactly the type of midfielder Iraola can build around.
He provides:
● Intelligence in possession
● Excellent passing
● Press resistance
● Tactical awareness
● Defensive discipline
● Experience at the highest level
His ability to control games could become particularly important in an Iraola team that wants to combine intensity with technical quality.
The sooner he can integrate into the new system, the better.
Was Liverpool’s Decision Right?
This is where supporters will inevitably disagree.
Some will look at Messi returning much sooner and wonder why Mac Allister needed such an extended break.
Others will argue that comparing two completely different players, clubs and schedules is unfair.
Personally, the important thing is not necessarily when Mac Allister returns.
It’s whether he returns fully recovered and ready to handle the demands of another long season.
Liverpool need him fit.
They need him sharp.
And they need him available for the matches that actually matter.
Monday Marks an Important Moment
Whatever the reason for the extended absence, Liverpool supporters can finally look forward to seeing Mac Allister back at the AXA on Monday.
With the Premier League season approaching, his integration into Iraola’s new system will now become a priority.
The comparison with Messi will undoubtedly continue to generate debate.
But ultimately, Liverpool supporters will care about one thing far more:
Alexis Mac Allister being fit, fresh and ready to help Liverpool compete for trophies again.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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