Alexis Mac Allister has failed to meet his usual standards at Liverpool this season, and the idea of him leaving in the summer has gained some traction.
The Argentinian has played a ridiculous amount of football over the last two or three years, and it’s very evident that his legs are suffering. Liverpool still believe in Mac Allister, but there is a growing cohort of fans who think FSG should cash in on the 27-year-old.
But Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea on Saturday was one of Mac Allister’s best performances of the season, even if the result disappointed.
Did you have anyone else down as a 3/10?
Frimpong was lucky to get that!
Alexis Mac Allister’s reminder to Liverpool against Chelsea
Last season, there was a genuine debate as to who the best midfielder in the league was between Moises Caicedo and Ryan Gravenberch.
This term, neither has set this fixture alight. Back in October, it was Reece James who stole the limelight, dominating the midfield during Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 win.
This time, Gravenberch did have his moment — a delightful strike from the edge of the penalty area — but it was Mac Allister who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and stood out as the most impactful midfielder on the pitch.
The numbers won’t tell you that. It was an unremarkable statistical performance compared to that of Gravenberch and Caicedo, but if you were watching the game, it was clear who was controlling the momentum.
With the score at 1-1, both teams started the second half aggressively, vying to take the driver’s seat in the tie.
It was Mac Allister who got stuck in, making crunching tackles and putting out fires in Liverpool’s own half. Those moments gave a tense Anfield crowd something to cheer about, and Liverpool’s inability to find a winner doesn’t fall on his shoulders.
Even in one-on-ones with Caicedo, a far more physical midfielder, Mac Allister stood his ground, far sharper and more alert than we have come to expect this season.
His energy and desire gave us a reminder of how impactful he can be when he is at his best.
Who should advance into the semi-final as Liverpool’s Player of the Year?
Ryan Gravenberch or Mohamed Salah? 🤔
Liverpool could sell Mac Allister this summer, and it wouldn’t come as a huge shock. But there are plenty of reasons to write this season off as an outlier and stick by a player who shows the kind of effort and mentality that has been sorely lacking in Arne Slot’s side this season.
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