Why Alexis Mac Allister could be Liverpool's secret weapon in the midfield

Liverpool's struggling midfield has been a topic of discussion for a while now, with many attributing it as the main reason for their decline. To turn things around, a complete overhaul is necessary. In this regard, the signing of Alexis Mac Allister could be a game-changer for Jurgen Klopp's side. With a World Cup win under his belt and having already proven himself in the Premier League with Brighton, the 24-year-old Argentine midfielder possesses a diverse skill set that aligns perfectly with Liverpool's requirements.

Jude Bellingham was once considered the ideal solution for Klopp's midfield, as it requires players who can defend, attack, tackle, pass, and shoot. Fortunately, Mac Allister possesses all of these skills. When asked about his positional flexibility in January, he expressed a strong desire to stay close to the ball, stating that he enjoys playing in midfield, whether as a 6, 8, or 10. Although he was initially a 10, he quickly realized that he could excel in multiple positions.

Being versatile is crucial for the modern player as it allows them to provide the team and the manager with various options. Personally, I feel most at ease playing as an 8, but I am confident in my ability to perform as a 6 or a 10. Mac Allister's exceptional skillset is exemplified by his ranking among the top 10 players in the Premier League for through-balls and possession won in the middle third of the pitch. These two lists encompass distinct categories, highlighting his diverse range of talents.

Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne may have dominated the list for most through-balls, but when it comes to winning back possession, they fall short compared to Mac Allister. Despite his impressive performances, Rodri and Declan Rice only managed to make a combined total of six through-balls. In contrast, Mac Allister made a staggering 15.

Moreover, Mac Allister also ranks among the top 10 players for possession won in the final third. It's worth noting that Klopp once stated that counter-pressing is more effective than relying on a playmaker. However, he later seemed to change his stance by signing Thiago, a player renowned for his through-ball abilities. But why not have a player who can excel at both aspects of the game?

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Alexis Mac Allister's stats for Brighton in the 2022/23 Premier League season

Looking forward also means looking back.

Intensity is at the core of Liverpool's identity. This sentiment was famously expressed by their assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, who even titled his book Intensity, underscoring the value Klopp's team places on this trait. In fact, Klopp's praise for his players after their 7-0 victory over Manchester United in March was not centered on the goals scored, but rather on Harvey Elliott's pressing - a testament to the importance Liverpool places on their players' intensity on the pitch.

Klopp's high regard for Harvey's performance against Wolves is understandable, given that he achieved the highest counter-pressing outcome of any player in the Premier League this season. This metric alone should be enough to qualify him for starting again in the next game.

Liverpool uses their own internal statistical analysis to determine what constitutes a counter-press, but with access to Second Spectrum data, we can gain further insight into Klopp's vision. Second Spectrum's tool defines pressure as either applied directly to the player in possession or indirectly to potential receivers of a pass. If this pressure begins within two seconds of open play possession, it is considered a counter-pressure situation.

Mac Allister was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end for Brighton this past season, surpassing even Liverpool's midfielders with a staggering 328 counter-presses. Additionally, his 70 Premier League tackles were unmatched by any player on the Liverpool squad, highlighting the fierce competitiveness that he brings to the pitch. When asked about his impressive defensive stats, Mac Allister attributed his success to a shift in mentality.

"The defensive aspect revolves around the determination to press, tackle and regain possession of the ball. It's not just about the position, but rather the decision to win back the ball. My improvements in this area have stemmed from my desire to recover the ball," he shared with We.

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Alexis Mac Allister's heatmap and passing sonar for the 2022/23 season

However, Mac Allister's ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively can help bring back that lost intensity. Along with his technical prowess, his composure on the ball can aid Liverpool in controlling the game and creating more opportunities to score. In a team that values possession and pressing, Mac Allister's skillset could prove to be invaluable.

Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and We pundit, expressed his disappointment in Liverpool's lack of sprinting and closing down opponents on the pitch. He went on to suggest that the team he was currently seeing was not reflective of Jurgen Klopp's usual style. This brings to mind a press conference held in October 2019, where Lijnders emphasized the significance of Liverpool's intensity as their identity. Following a crucial victory against Tottenham, Lijnders detailed how their off-the-ball work was crucial to their success.

Lijnders emphasized the importance of defensive strategy, stating that while the offensive aspect of the game often receives the most attention, the key to success lies in the 30% of the game when the team does not have possession of the ball. He stressed the significance of maintaining a solid defense, concentrating and playing with intensity even when the ball is lost. Without this protection, Liverpool's structure becomes vulnerable, as was evidenced by the team's high number of conceded big chances last season. Even star player Virgil van Dijk was not immune to this issue, which was ultimately caused by a lack of pressure on the ball.

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During the 2022/23 season, Liverpool had a higher number of big chances conceded compared to their competitors. As a result of changes in personnel and the success of Manchester City and Arsenal, Klopp made a strategic move towards the end of the season by shifting Trent Alexander-Arnold into a hybrid midfield role.

The implemented solution may not have been ideal, but it proved to be a success as Liverpool ended the season undefeated in 11 consecutive matches in the Premier League. The formation offered improved defense against counter-attacks and allowed for increased creativity from Alexander-Arnold. Additionally, the 3-2-5 formation had a positive impact on Liverpool's midfield. Henderson took on a more offensive position, while Jones thrived in his role. This position could also be beneficial for Mac Allister, as he could operate in the half-space on the left channel.

Mac Allister's versatility makes him a valuable addition to Klopp's midfield. Whether Klopp is seeking a player with a unique skill set or hoping to inject some much-needed energy into the team, Mac Allister can rise to the occasion. While he may not be the sole solution to the team's struggles, Mac Allister's contributions could prove crucial in their pursuit of success.