Stephen Warnock questioned Jurgen Klopp’s decision to delay taking off Alexis Mac Allister against Tottenham, with the Liverpool midfielder on a yellow for most of the match.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live’s coverage of the game, the former Red was surprised that the Argentine international wasn’t substituted off earlier with Liverpool going down to nine men.
Warnock said: “Liverpool are ringing in the changes now. I am surprised that Mac Allister has stayed on. He is not the quickest and if he gets caught now it’s another red.
“He was booked in the first half and Liverpool can hardly afford to go down to eight men. If that does happen then it is all on the manager. A man on a yellow when you are already two players down, take him off.”
Whilst Mac Allister managed to escape picking up a second card, Klopp made a risky move in not taking the £35m midfielder off sooner against Tottenham.
And with Curtis Jones now set to miss the next few Premier League fixtures due to suspension, keeping Mac Allister fit and available will be crucial for the Reds.
Liverpool have to keep Mac Allister in check
Mac Allister has had a mixed introduction to life with Liverpool, and with Jones now out, the Reds need to ensure the Argentine is kept in check.
Midfield numbers are dwindling with Thiago Alcantara still out through injury, and should Mac Allister pick up a suspension, it will be a major blow for Liverpool.
Indeed, upcoming games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton will be key in Liverpool’s Premier League season, and Mac Allister needs to be available for both with Jones likely to be out.
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