Alexis Mac Allister in action for Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister in action for Liverpool
The Argentine midfielder was far off the pace of his typical performances in the Premier League, and that played a role in the Reds' poor season.
However, following the World Cup and under Andoni Iraola, the former Brighton man looks like a completely different entity in the middle of the park.
Talks about his future have thus begun to grow as a topic, with Liverpool yet to enter discussions over a new contract.
Mac Allister has publicly spoken about his desire to engage in those talks, yet the Premier League side seems unwilling.
Recent performances could begin to shift that stance, with Troy Deeney now asking the question of the Reds.
Troy Deeney makes bold Alexis Mac Allister claim amid Liverpool star's contract situation.
Mac Allister has been a hugely influential figure for Liverpool this season, bringing energy, composure and quality to the heart of their midfield.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with the Argentine continuing to demonstrate just how important he is.
Writing in his BBC Team of the Week, Deeney has included Mac Allister and has begged the question over why he has not been offered a new deal yet.
He stated: "How this guy has not got a new deal, I don't know. He keeps coming up big, high energy, and he is vitally important to the way Liverpool play.
"When he is fit and available and firing on all cylinders, it feels like they have a chance in this title race."
Putting Mac Allister down as a reason for Liverpool possibly being in a title race is quite a big claim, but Mac Allister has been excellent this season.
And it may not be as crazy a shout as you first perceive it to be.
Mac Allister's stats prove Liverpool have a title-challenging midfielder on their hands
As per FotMob, Mac Allister has been one of the top central midfield players in the Premier League across various stats.
When it comes to distance covered, Mac Allister's 96.4 kilometres places him in the 77th percentile.
Meanwhile, he is in the 97.3rd percentile for accurate long passes with a total of 31.
Furthermore, the South American has been top at progressing possession, with his vision placing him in the 90.5th percentile for line-breaking passes, with a total of 119.
Defensively, he has also made 49 recoveries, placing him in the top 13.5 per cent of midfielders in England's top flight.
No other player in his position has won possession in the final third more than the Argentine's seven times.
Mac Allister has been back to his best, and Liverpool must seriously consider their stance on his contract, as Deeney is right.
This is a title-challenging midfielder playing at the level the Reds require.