‘Very clever’: 24-year-old Liverpool player ran further than any of his teammates vs Nottingham Forest

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister showed off his endurance during Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

Mac Allister was impressive in his usual deeper-lying role against Forest, biting into tackles and dictating play.

And according to former Reds striker Neil Mellor, the performance showcased what the Argentine is all about – including an insatiable engine. Speaking to LFCTV after the game at Anfield, Mellor praised Mac Allister.

“Having over 700 passes in this game shows just how much control Liverpool had,” explained the 40-year-old.

“Alexis clocked the most distance for Liverpool during the game and he is a very clever player but a very brave player as well.

“You need players like that, can stop a counter-attack and then want to make that pass in between the lines, and his influence out there was clear to see, he was magnificent.”

Mac Allister growing into role

Much has been made of Jurgen Klopp’s use of Mac Allister as a deeper lying midfielder this season.

Certainly, it would be a surprise if this is where the Liverpool manager had intended the 24-year-old to be playing after signing him from Brighton.

Instead, it’s likely that Klopp had planned to keep Fabinho around for another season, with Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai operating further up the pitch.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s No.10 has now played all but one of the Reds Premier League games so far as their designated holding midfielder.

Generally he’s done very well familiarising himself with what’s expected of him in a new team and a new position.

But there have, understandably, been a few teething problems, too.

Against Forest on Sunday was the perhaps the first clear sign that those initial issues are now being resolved by Mac Allister. Of course it wasn’t the most difficult game he’ll play all season, but everything the World Cup winner did was crisp and with purpose.

There’s still a question mark over Mac Allister’s suitability in this role against the better sides of the division. But this weekend he underlined once again just what a good signing he has been. Even more to come.