Liverpool’s midfield needs rejigging, and Arne Slot has a simple solution with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
The biggest fall-off in quality from last season is arguably the regression we have seen from the midfield unit.
Sure, the defence has been woeful at times, but that was never where Liverpool separated themselves from the pack.
The trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister was levels above the rest of the Premier League, but only the former has maintained it this season — more than maintained it.
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As for the other two, a small tweak might be enough to put them back on track.
Arne Slot has to swap Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
I’m not trying to claim to be a more apt tactician than the man who won a title in his first season, but watching Liverpool these past few weeks, something has stood out.
Mac Allister has taken more shots in the Premier League without scoring than any other player.
The wondergoals were flowing and he was often tasked with breaking through compact defensive lines with his close control and intricate passing, but Florian Wirtz has taken on that role.
Where the Argentinian thrives lately is in duels and getting stuck into the opposition.
As for Gravenberch, he was getting Player of the Season shouts for his showings last term, but has also dropped off.
Some have suggested Gravenberch is limited in a defensive role. Earlier in the season, he was getting amongst the goals.
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For Slot, it would be worth changing the instructions, at least for now.
Give Gravenberch the license to go forward and leave Mac Allister as back four protection. The Dutchman is destined for a more advanced role, but Macca might not be perfectly equipped to take on that role long-term.
Mac Allister could leave Liverpool, in which case a real six should be on the shopping list. Either way, this alteration would at least get Gravenberch used to the number eight role.
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