Immense Mac Allister is providing the calm and control that Liverpool need right now
By James Pearce
The stress of a Premier Leaguetitle race was writ large on the faces of so many inside Anfield.
Nerves were jangling in the stands as Liverpoolfought to hold on to their narrow lead during stoppage time against Brighton.
Down on the touchline, an agitated Jurgen Klopp stood with his arms outstretched, scarcely able to believe that possession had been conceded cheaply.
Peter Krawietz ran to the edge of the technical area, notebook in hand, to bellow orders, while fellow assistant boss Pep Lijnders thrust his hands deep into his pockets and urged those in red to get back behind the ball.
Their sense of angst was understandable with the stakes so high — but they didn’t need to worry. The calmest man inside Anfield sorted it, providing the control required to get Liverpool over the line.
No wonder Klopp reserved a bear hug for Alexis Mac Allisterafter the final whistle. The World Cup winner was immense.
On a day when Liverpool seemed in such a collective hurry, snatching at chances and failing to kill off the contest, Mac Allister oozed composure throughout.
The 24-year-old midfielder completed 58 of his 63 passes (92 per cent) and created five chances — more than anyone else on the pitch. He won back possession on six occasions, with only Joe Gomezand Conor Bradley(both seven) doing it more.
His vision and technique created the winner for Mohamed Salah— a goal which looked even more valuable a few hours later when the showdown between title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City finished goalless.
“Yes, Macca was incredible, absolutely incredible,” admitted Klopp. “But when you have that kind of talent, when you have that kind of character, then you should show it. It’s Macca, he can do that.”
It wasn’t a one-off. Releasing Mac Allister to play in a more advanced position has given Liverpool another dimension.
Circumstances had dictated that he found himself operating as the defensive shield during the early months of his Anfield career.
Liverpool’s pursuit of a specialist No 6 to replace Fabinhowas problematic last summer as they missed out on the Chelsea-bound duo of Moises Caicedoand Romeo Laviabefore securing the services of Wataru Endo.
With the Japan international needing time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, Mac Allister remained in the holding role. A knee injury kept the Argentinainternational out for most of December and then a blossoming Endowent off to the Asia Cup in January.
The visit of Burnleyin early February marked the start of Endo as the first-choice No 6, with Mac Allister given a licence to impact games further forward. It’s a role which suits his skill set better.
When you throw the athleticism of Dominik Szoboszlaiinto the mix, it’s an elite midfield trio that provides Liverpool with the perfect balance.
“Wataru and Macca in the right spaces, and Dom was the surprising act there,” Klopp added.
“Dom was the chaser, the chaos creator, and that worked really well, I thought. They had possession but not the possession they wanted — and that helped.”
In 10 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions since the positional switch, Mac Allister has contributed four goals (including two penalties) and five assists. Of his five league assists this season, four have been for winning goals. Only Salah (five) has set up more winners for Liverpool in the top flight this season.
When you consider the money top clubs spent on bolstering their midfield departments last summer, Mac Allister has represented remarkable value. While Caicedo cost Chelsea £115million ($145m), Arsenalpaid £100m for Declan Riceand Manchester Unitedsplashed out £55m on Mason Mount, it’s hard to believe that Mac Allister’s transfer fee was just £35m.
Liverpool were able to take advantage of a clause in his contract at Brighton and they moved fast to outflank several other Premier League clubs. Mac Allister was Klopp’s priority signing at the end of last season and it was a deal that had consensus across all the different departments.
The data provided by director of research Will Spearmanwas as glowing as the array of character references. He also passed the ‘eye test’ with scouting reports detailing his versatility, game intelligence and ability to retain possession under pressure. The fact he was durable, Premier League-proven and spoke fluent English made it a no-brainer.
Outgoing sporting director Julian Ward stayed on beyond his end-of-May departure date to finalise a transfer which he regarded as the perfect way to sign off after 11 years of service.
Klopp initially gave him the nickname ‘Gary’ after the McAllister who played such an integral part in Liverpool’s treble triumph under Gerard Houllier in 2001. But Mac Allister wasn’t keen on that and he’s now affectionately known by players and staff as ‘Macca’.
It was a classy touch from him going across to applaud the away fans after Sunday’s game and his respect for them was returned with interest. That speaks volumes about his character.
“He became a great player,” said Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. “The assist was incredible. I am proud of him. He deserves to be an important player in a big team.”
Mac Allister has certainly ticked that box since moving to Anfield. The Kop have taken him to their hearts.
A gutsy victory at Anfield followed by the perfect outcome at the Etihadleaves Liverpool with a precious two-point lead with nine games remaining.
There will be more nerve-wracking, anxiety-laden days such as this one. But Klopp can rest assured that his No 10 will remain ice-cool.
https://theathletic.com/5381291/2024/04/01/mac-allister-liverpool-brighton/
Immense Mac Allister is providing the calm and control that Liverpool need right now
By James Pearce
The stress of a Premier Leaguetitle race was writ large on the faces of so many inside Anfield.
Nerves were jangling in the stands as Liverpoolfought to hold on to their narrow lead during stoppage time against Brighton.
Down on the touchline, an agitated Jurgen Klopp stood with his arms outstretched, scarcely able to believe that possession had been conceded cheaply.
Peter Krawietz ran to the edge of the technical area, notebook in hand, to bellow orders, while fellow assistant boss Pep Lijnders thrust his hands deep into his pockets and urged those in red to get back behind the ball.
Their sense of angst was understandable with the stakes so high — but they didn’t need to worry. The calmest man inside Anfield sorted it, providing the control required to get Liverpool over the line.
No wonder Klopp reserved a bear hug for Alexis Mac Allisterafter the final whistle. The World Cup winner was immense.
On a day when Liverpool seemed in such a collective hurry, snatching at chances and failing to kill off the contest, Mac Allister oozed composure throughout.
The 24-year-old midfielder completed 58 of his 63 passes (92 per cent) and created five chances — more than anyone else on the pitch. He won back possession on six occasions, with only Joe Gomezand Conor Bradley(both seven) doing it more.
His vision and technique created the winner for Mohamed Salah— a goal which looked even more valuable a few hours later when the showdown between title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City finished goalless.
“Yes, Macca was incredible, absolutely incredible,” admitted Klopp. “But when you have that kind of talent, when you have that kind of character, then you should show it. It’s Macca, he can do that.”
It wasn’t a one-off. Releasing Mac Allister to play in a more advanced position has given Liverpool another dimension.
Circumstances had dictated that he found himself operating as the defensive shield during the early months of his Anfield career.
Liverpool’s pursuit of a specialist No 6 to replace Fabinhowas problematic last summer as they missed out on the Chelsea-bound duo of Moises Caicedoand Romeo Laviabefore securing the services of Wataru Endo.
With the Japan international needing time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, Mac Allister remained in the holding role. A knee injury kept the Argentinainternational out for most of December and then a blossoming Endowent off to the Asia Cup in January.
The visit of Burnleyin early February marked the start of Endo as the first-choice No 6, with Mac Allister given a licence to impact games further forward. It’s a role which suits his skill set better.
When you throw the athleticism of Dominik Szoboszlaiinto the mix, it’s an elite midfield trio that provides Liverpool with the perfect balance.
“Wataru and Macca in the right spaces, and Dom was the surprising act there,” Klopp added.
“Dom was the chaser, the chaos creator, and that worked really well, I thought. They had possession but not the possession they wanted — and that helped.”
In 10 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions since the positional switch, Mac Allister has contributed four goals (including two penalties) and five assists. Of his five league assists this season, four have been for winning goals. Only Salah (five) has set up more winners for Liverpool in the top flight this season.
When you consider the money top clubs spent on bolstering their midfield departments last summer, Mac Allister has represented remarkable value. While Caicedo cost Chelsea £115million ($145m), Arsenalpaid £100m for Declan Riceand Manchester Unitedsplashed out £55m on Mason Mount, it’s hard to believe that Mac Allister’s transfer fee was just £35m.
Liverpool were able to take advantage of a clause in his contract at Brighton and they moved fast to outflank several other Premier League clubs. Mac Allister was Klopp’s priority signing at the end of last season and it was a deal that had consensus across all the different departments.
The data provided by director of research Will Spearmanwas as glowing as the array of character references. He also passed the ‘eye test’ with scouting reports detailing his versatility, game intelligence and ability to retain possession under pressure. The fact he was durable, Premier League-proven and spoke fluent English made it a no-brainer.
Outgoing sporting director Julian Ward stayed on beyond his end-of-May departure date to finalise a transfer which he regarded as the perfect way to sign off after 11 years of service.
Klopp initially gave him the nickname ‘Gary’ after the McAllister who played such an integral part in Liverpool’s treble triumph under Gerard Houllier in 2001. But Mac Allister wasn’t keen on that and he’s now affectionately known by players and staff as ‘Macca’.
It was a classy touch from him going across to applaud the away fans after Sunday’s game and his respect for them was returned with interest. That speaks volumes about his character.
“He became a great player,” said Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. “The assist was incredible. I am proud of him. He deserves to be an important player in a big team.”
Mac Allister has certainly ticked that box since moving to Anfield. The Kop have taken him to their hearts.
A gutsy victory at Anfield followed by the perfect outcome at the Etihadleaves Liverpool with a precious two-point lead with nine games remaining.
There will be more nerve-wracking, anxiety-laden days such as this one. But Klopp can rest assured that his No 10 will remain ice-cool.
https://theathletic.com/5381291/2024/04/01/mac-allister-liverpool-brighton/
