Alexis Mac Allister Struggles in Unnatural Role as Liverpool Fans Question Jurgen Klopp’s Use of Midfielder
Liverpool fans have been left questioning Jurgen Klopp’s use of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the Argentine struggled against his former side Brighton in an unnatural role. Klopp made six changes from the side that took on Union SG in midweek, but pulled a surprise as he left Wataru Endo out of his lineup.
The Japanese had been brought off at half-time in the Europa League as one of three pre-planned substitutions, with a belief that he would start at Brighton. Instead, Harvey Elliott joined Dominik Szoboszlai in the advanced midfield roles while Mac Allister was again deployed as a No. 6.
The £35 million summer signing from Brighton struggled with the intensity as deep-lying midfielder, often caught out as the last man in front of the defence, including for Simon Adingra’s opener. Despite this, Klopp stuck with the Argentine throughout, with Endo going unused in an eventual 2-2 draw on the south coast.
His decision left fans frustrated, questioning why, if Endo is not trusted in these games, a first-choice No. 6 was not signed in the summer.
Fans React to Mac Allister’s Performance
Fans took to social media to express their frustrations with Mac Allister playing out of position. Matt Ladson tweeted: “For all the talk of Liverpool’s ‘complete midfield rebuild’ they are glaringly short of a defensive midfielder/No.6. The day Mac Allister can play in his actual position will be a very pleasing one.”
Barry echoed this sentiment, tweeting: “I love Mac Allister but this hasn’t been his game and doesn’t look like it’ll become his game any time soon. This is the exact kind of situation that we were told Endo was brought in to help with, will be interesting to see what time he comes on (if at all).”
Neil BurpleMan added: “Remember when Klopp bought some lad from Stuttgart to play as a DM, told everyone to give him a chance and then proceeded to play Alexis MacAllister as a DM.”
Klopp’s Hands Tied
Klopp’s hands were tied on Sunday to an extent, with Curtis Jones serving the first of a three-match suspension and Ryan Gravenberch playing 79 minutes three days previous. But the Endo situation is certainly confusing, with the manager all but confirming after the 2-0 win over Union SG that he was being preserved for the weekend.
Instead, Mac Allister was left to flounder against his former side, the disappointment etched on his face at times as he toiled to get up to speed.
Thiago Key to Unlocking Mac Allister’s Potential
Many fans are hoping that Thiago Alcantara’s return from injury will help unlock Mac Allister’s potential and allow him to play in his natural position. Liam tweeted: “Mac Allister is a fantastic player, but he’s being wasted as a 6.”
Hmz290 added: “Mac Allister has spent most of his time in our half. We can’t keep playing him this season as a 6 in matches it takes away from all the incredible things he can do up top. Need to play to his strengths.”
Lewis Bower summed up the situation perfectly, tweeting: “Bit of a nightmare afternoon for Alexis Mac Allister, really. The new system is good but Mac Allister has looked somewhat of a square peg in a round hole so far as The Six. Still tweaks to come, I’m sure but the ability we know he has isn’t being maximised.”
Finally, Hmz290 concluded: “Sooner Thiago comes back the better, I’m telling you he will take this team up another level. Thiago in the 6 also allows Mac Allister to play in his natural position.”
Klopp will be hoping that Thiago can make an immediate impact when he returns from injury and help unlock Mac Allister’s potential and get Liverpool back on track.