View: Alexis Mac Allister can have super Liverpool season despite quiet Argentina display
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had a quiet night for Argentina during their 2-0 Copa America semi-final over Canada (9 July).
Nicholas Gonzalez was benched as he was one yellow card away from suspension so Mac Allister played on the left wing for the reigning world champions.
It was a comfortable affair for Argentina as they reached their second consecutive Copa America final, where they’ll play Luis Diaz’s Colombia.
Mac Allister can have massive Liverpool season
The 25-year-old will return to Anfield from international duty with a need to impress new manager Arne Slot.
Despite his performances following his move from Brighton last season, the future of the squad is always uncertain when there is a managerial change.
He was one of the standout performers at Liverpool last season, flourishing further up the pitch when Wataru Endo settled into the defensive midfield spot.
Mac Allister can go one further this season and develop into one of Slot’s most important players as he has for Argentina.
He proved his versatility for Jurgen Klopp last season in the middle of the park but struggled on the left wing for Argentina as he registered just 15 passes in the match (Opta Analyst).
As per Sofascore, he completed 50 per cent of his two dribbles and won 50 per cent of his 10 duels contested.
It was a night to forget for Mac Allister but he won’t mind as he has the chance to win his second national trophy.
Slot will certainly be impressed with the Argentine’s form throughout the competition.
In four starts he has created two big chances leading to two assists and averaged one key pass per 90 (Sofascore).
As per FBref, his creative prowess was evident during his maiden Liverpool campaign as he was in the 89 percentile for assists, 86 percentile for progressive passes and 86 percentile for shot-creating actions in the Premier League.
The World Cup winner hit a purple patch with three goals and four assists in six matches from the match against Luton in February to the win against Sheffield United at Anfield in April (Transfermarkt).
His form, like the rest of the side, tailed off towards the business end of the season but his quality shone through.
He has an aura of Steven Gerrard about him as a central midfielder who can do anything, he is just as important offensively as he is defensively.
Mac Allister averages seven ball recoveries, 2.8 tackles and one interception per game at Copa America (Sofascore).
In the Premier League, the midfielder was in the 75 percentile for interceptions, 94 percentile for tackles and 99 percentile for blocks per 90 (FBref).
His signing last summer led the midfield rebuild at Liverpool and he settled into the side like a duck to water.
Mac Allister has the potential to be the leader of the Liverpool midfield for years to come and it is the job of Slot to help him fulfil that potential.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool to be strengthened by proposed FSG purchase of Bordeaux.
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