Alexis Mac Allister had an impressive debut season with Liverpool, emerging as one of the standout players despite being moved around in midfield. The Argentine joined the club from Brighton, where he played a crucial role in their successful campaign. While Dominik Szoboszlai initially stole the headlines, it was Mac Allister who ended the season with the majority of the praise.
Mac Allister’s versatility was evident from the start, with his role in the team yet to be fully determined. His first appearance in red showcased his talent, but it was marred by a controversial red card that was later overturned. Throughout August and September, Mac Allister consistently delivered promising performances.
In the early stages of the season, Mac Allister was called upon to anchor Liverpool’s midfield three due to Wataru Endo’s adjustment period. Once Endo settled into the Premier League, Mac Allister was given more freedom further up the pitch, allowing his true potential to shine through.
However, Mac Allister faced challenges when circumstances dictated his role. When Endo left for the Asian Cup in January, Mac Allister became the only capable defensive midfielder available. While this allowed him to establish himself as a regular starter, it also restricted his positioning on the pitch. It was during this period that Mac Allister truly came into his own and made a strong case for being Liverpool’s player of the season.
Mac Allister’s performance in the No. 8 position showcased his game intelligence and technical ability. He scored four goals and provided five assists during this period, forming a strong partnership with Endo. While Endo performed admirably, it is clear that Mac Allister’s potential as an out-and-out midfielder should not be overlooked.
Looking ahead to Arne Slot’s tenure as manager, it is likely that Mac Allister will continue to play a pivotal role in the team. However, one area for improvement could be finding a specialist defensive midfielder to allow Mac Allister to fully tap into his potential. Playing alongside a more defensive-minded colleague in a 4-2-3-1 formation could bring out the best in him.
Despite strong competition from the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, Mac Allister deserves recognition as Liverpool’s player of the season. His consistency stood out during a season filled with ups and downs for many players. As he enters his second season at Liverpool, the sky is the limit for Mac Allister, who has already achieved success at the highest level of the sport. Fans eagerly await what he and Arne Slot have in store for the team.
Mac Allister’s best moment came when he scored Liverpool’s goal of the season against Fulham, showcasing his skill and ability. However, his worst moment was an incorrect red card on his Anfield debut against Bournemouth. Looking ahead to next season, Mac Allister is expected to be one of the first names on the teamsheet in midfield.