Alexis Mac Allister: The Perfect Solution to Liverpool’s Midfield Woes
With Gini Wijnaldum’s departure from Liverpool in 2021, the Reds have been left with a gulf in their midfield that has yet to be filled. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been searching for the perfect solution to this problem, and it appears they have found it in the form of Alexis Mac Allister.
The 24-year-old Argentine has joined the Merseyside club from Brighton, and looks set to be the perfect fit for Klopp’s system. Here, we take a look at why Mac Allister could be the answer to Liverpool’s midfield woes.
The Impact of Wijnaldum’s Departure
Gini Wijnaldum was a key component of Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy, and his departure left a gaping hole in the Liverpool midfield. The Dutchman’s energy and work ethic were crucial in allowing the Reds to press high up the pitch and win the ball back quickly. Without him, Liverpool have been less able to defend against counter-attacks and have been carved open by simple passes or long balls over the top.
Thiago was the only midfielder brought in since the title-winning 2019/20 season, highlighting how little attention this problem has had. Now, however, Liverpool seem to be on the right path to bolstering their midfield with the signing of Mac Allister.
The Perfect Age and Experience
Mac Allister comes in at the perfect age of 24, and with the right amount of experience in the Premier League. He is at the perfect development age before he hits his prime years, and is exactly the profile of midfielder Liverpool should be looking for.
The Argentine has played more of an advanced midfield role due to his creativity and intelligence on the ball, but his statistics show that he is also an all-rounded midfielder. For instance, per FBref, he had the second-most tackles of any Brighton player in the Premier League last season behind Moises Caicedo, with 70, which is five more than Fabinho.
Mac Allister’s availability is also similar to Wijnaldum’s, as he started 81 of his 112 outings in three-and-a-half seasons with Brighton, only missing one game through injury. This is exactly what Liverpool need in their midfield – a player who can play anywhere around the pitch and is available for selection week in, week out.
Conclusion
Alexis Mac Allister looks set to be the perfect solution to Liverpool’s midfield woes. He is at the perfect age and has the right amount of experience in the Premier League. Furthermore, his statistics show that he is an all-rounded midfielder who can play anywhere around the pitch and is available for selection week in, week out.
It remains to be seen whether Mac Allister will be able to replicate Wijnaldum’s impact at Anfield, but there is certainly cause for optimism. The Argentine looks set to be the start of Klopp’s next great engine in the middle of the park, and could be the perfect solution to Liverpool’s midfield woes.