A look at Alexis Mac Allister’s growth at Liverpool so far

In the summer of 2023 Jurgen Klopp had a midfield rebuild on his hands and turned to Brighton and their World Cup winning Argentine, Alexis Mac Allister.

The first of four midfielders signed that summer, it was expected that Mac Allister would be the smoothest new signing integrated into the team, given his time already spent in the league.

2023/24 Season

Alexis was signed to be the Thiago-esque playmaker, line-breaker. With his passing and technical ability it was quickly clear that he would be able to fulfil this role.

Under Klopp, he was used in a few different roles to start with, due to the issues the team had at DM to start the season.

However, after the emergence of Wataru Endo at the DM role, Alexis was free to play in the deep-lying playmaker role, a position he played in to the best of his abilities.

It was not just his on-the-ball skills that impressed, his work rate and defensive actions massively contributed to his successful first year at the club.

The 86% pass completion rate, partnered with the 90 total tackles won and interceptions and alongside the impressive 125 duels he went into showing his willingness to fight for his team, all of these stats contribute to the popularity Alexis has grown for himself.

One thing that wasn’t lumbered onto the shoulders of Alexis was the leadership in the midfield, he was becoming a midfield leader throughout the season but it wasn’t a burden Klopp bestowed upon the Argentine.

2024/25 Season

Two managers in two seasons can be difficult for a player, but with the similarity of the play styles and the quality of player, Alexis has adapted well to the Arne Slot system.

The main difference in the way Alexis has been deployed under Slot is the fact that he has been used in a deeper role. He has been looked at to take the ball from the defence and find a player on the wing or the player in the Attacking Midfield.

With the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, the progression of the ball hasn’t been the main task that Mac Allister has been trusted with but he still puts up impressive passing numbers.

It is too early in the season to fully talk about how Alexis is playing, although there is one aspect of his and his teammates game that has developed under Slot.

He seems to possess a presence that calms and relaxes his teammates, similar to what Henderson did for his players under Klopp. An intangible quality that leaders or great footballers have within them.