As Liverpool inched closer to Premier League glory with a tense 1-0 win over Leicester City, it was not Trent Alexander-Arnold, the goal scorer, but an unsung hero who stole the show.
Alexis Mac Allister, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant teammates, was named Man of the Match for his commanding display in midfield.
While Alexander-Arnold’s late strike secured the victory, and rumors of his potential departure to Real Madrid loom large, Mac Allister’s performance highlighted his indispensable role under Arne Slot.
With four goals and four assists this season, his contributions may not match Mohamed Salah’s headline numbers, but his all-around game has been crucial, proving he is a vital, if understated, weapon in Liverpool’s title charge.
Unsung Hero Behind Trent’s Game Winner
Although Alexander-Arnold’s stunning game-winning goal and exuberant celebration after returning from injury were highly uplifting last Sunday, Mac Allister’s steadfast composure also deserves commendation.
While he didn’t assist directly on Alexander-Arnold’s goal, he effectively neutralized Leicester defender Wout Faes during the corner-kick turmoil, creating opportunities for other attackers.
Mac Allister’s performance highlights his influence on the team’s dynamics. He recorded 72 touches, regained possession six times, and made six entries into the final third.
Defensively, he won five duels, completed three successful tackles, and made two clearances. Offensively, he completed 40 of 46 passes, including five precise crosses and three chance creations.
As one of the most consistent players this season, Mac Allister remains productive in creating scoring opportunities and performing essential defensive tasks.
He is not merely an unsung hero for a single match but a reliable contributor to Liverpool’s league success.
Position Shifts Under Slot
Under Jurgen Klopp, Mac Allister largely operated as a lone holding midfielder (No. 5), concentrating on defensive responsibilities and utilizing a direct long-ball approach.
Conversely, under Arne Slot’s more structured system, he often plays alongside another No. 5, which grants him greater freedom to push forward.
Slot’s strategy emphasizes patient, possession-oriented play, allowing Mac Allister to advance when the ball shifts to the left full-back, while Ryan Gravenberch covers defensively.
This change does not unsettle the Argentine international, as he stated he plays "more or less as I do at the club" for Argentina in an interview with Rousing the Kop, indicating that he adopts a similar deep-lying midfield role as a central midfielder for Argentina.
Tasked with maintaining the team's balance during international matches, Mac Allister has sharpened his positional awareness during both attacking and defensive phases.
His role under Argentina Head Coach Lionel Scaloni is multifaceted, often described as a midfield runner supporting Lionel Messi while contributing to both defensive and offensive efforts.
For example, during the 2022 World Cup final against France, he assisted Angel Di Maria for Argentina’s second goal, underscoring his capacity to impact the game from a central position.
Data Dive-In
Mac Allister's general statistics don’t give the full picture; a deeper look reveals why Slot started him in 29 out of 32 Premier League matches, totaling over 2,400 minutes.
While his goal threat declined in xG (2.69 in the 2024-25 season compared to 3.66 in 2023-24), his shooting accuracy improved significantly, rising from 20% last season to 34% for on-target attempts after being moved to a more advanced role.
This positional change has boosted the Argentine's confidence on the field, leading to enhanced performances at Liverpool, where he has played 76% of available Premier League minutes and made key contributions, including assists against West Ham United and Real Madrid.
Passing remains Mac Allister's standout skill. Since the 2021-2022 season with Brighton, he has achieved over 80% passing accuracy for four consecutive years.
Notably, he recorded 4.4 xGA (Expected Assisted Goals) from 169 progressive passes, marking his third-best performance in this area, potentially nearing his best in the Premier League.
His increased freedom and space on the pitch do not compromise his defensive effort. So far this season, Mac Allister has made 88 successful tackles, placing him sixth in the Premier League.
Despite his advanced positioning on the left flank, he effectively maintains his defensive responsibilities.
While this may not be Mac Allister's standout season, it could represent his best form under Slot in his second year at Liverpool.
With Alexander-Arnold expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer, Mac Allister has the potential to step up, and Slot can fully harness his abilities across all facets of the game.