View: 88% Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister proves point to Arne Slot in Argentina outing
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister proved a point to Reds boss Arne Slot after his goal helped secure a 3-0 win for Argentina against Chile.
The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the South American World Cup qualifier on Friday [5 September] with a well-driven effort into the bottom corner early into the second half.
Mac Allister has started all three of the Reds’ Premier League matches in Slot’s 100 per cent start to life at Anfield and his role will be vital for Liverpool to keep pace with Manchester City for the title this year.
Alexis Mac Allister can play vital role for Liverpool this season
The Argentine was a revelation for Liverpool last season under Jurgen Klopp following his 2023 summer transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
He slotted into a new-look midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo with every senior midfielder barring Thiago Alcantara departing the club in the summer leading into the 2023/24 campaign.
Mac Allister produced some sensational moments in the league last term, notably his long-range strikes against Fulham and Sheffield United on his way to a return of five goals and five assists in his maiden year with the Reds.
With zero goal returns this season, he has been quietly ticking away in the Liverpool midfield performing the Georginio Wijnaldum role but, has since reminded Slot what he can provide in front of goal for the side.
The midfielder scored one goal out of his two shots on target, and completed 66 per cent of his long balls with an overall pass completion rate of 88 per cent [Sofascore].
His defensive output, however, was off the pace despite a prolonged spell in the number six position for the Reds last term.
Mac Allister lost possession nine times, made only two interceptions, dribbled past once, and won only 28 per cent of his duels.
He also missed one big chance with his second shot on target, firing his effort straight at Gabriel Arias wasting the opportunity to double his side’s advantage with a cut-back to a teammate the more sensible option.
Alexis Mac Allister going under the radar for Liverpool
It was a mixed-bag performance from the Liverpool man, he is an exceptional performer for both club and country but has work to do to reach the upper echelons of the game.
Ryan Gravenberch has earned his plaudits in the Reds midfield this season and rightfully so, but Mac Allister has the quality to steal the spotlight from his teammate and become the deciding factor for Slot in the coming weeks.
For now, Mac Allister will be relieved to be back among the goals this season ahead of a hectic Liverpool schedule with the return of Champions League football to Anfield upon the conclusion of the international break.
In other Liverpool news, Japanese media rave about ‘valuable’ Liverpool ace Wataru Endo.
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