Liverpool’s first signing of the season is the World Cup winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. A reported signing fee of just £35m is an absolute bargain for someone like Mac Allister. The 24 year old had a season to remember as he was a crucial part of the World Cup winning Argentina team. He also helped his former club Brighton achieve their first ever European qualification.
Mac Allister’s phenomenal display last season was more than enough to attract interest from Liverpool. Registering 10 goals and 2 assists, he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League last season.
The new Liverpool no.10 possess the kind of qualities that you find in world class midfielders. Strong playmaking ability, incredible vision, a great carrier of the ball and a good presser, it clearly looks like he is the solution for the Liverpool’s midfield problems.
What could be Mac Allister’s role at Liverpool?
With qualities that Mac Allister possess, it looks like he is going to have flexible role at Liverpool. We could have expected him to play more as a playmaker, creating chances and build up play. However, a few tweaks in Liverpool’s playing style, which saw Trent Alexander Arnold play in an inverted role, has clearly improved Liverpool’s as well as Trent’s performances by a great margin. It looks like the way to go for Klopp and Liverpool.
Therefore, it is expected that Klopp might be looking for a more attacking role for Alexis. He could be seen as as a proper no.10, operating in and creating spaces, making runs into the box and breaking defense lines. He can also become the focal point in the transition from defense to attack as he is a great ball carrier. With his great attacking awareness and finishing ability, he could be playing in an even more attacking role than what he was at Brighton.
A great option for set-pieces as well
With Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool also get a great set-piece taker. Even though Liverpool have their primary set-piece takers, Trent, Robertson and Salah, Alexis can emerge as a new option. He was in charge of penalties and free kicks at Brighton. He also has the ability to deliver great crosses. Therefore, he could be seen being involved in corners, free kicks and even penalties for Liverpool next season. He might be the breath of fresh air that Liverpool need in their set-pieces.
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