Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has clarified his preferred playing position amidst ongoing speculation regarding his future at Anfield. The Argentina international is currently with his national team at the World Cup in North America, preparing for their round of 32 match against Cape Verde on Friday evening.
Mac Allister, aged 27, was among several players who experienced a challenging season with Liverpool, which concluded with Arne Slot being replaced by Andoni Iraola as head coach. Despite having two years remaining on his current contract, he has not yet been offered a new deal by the Reds.
For some time, Mac Allister has been linked with a potential move away from Liverpool this summer, with Real Madrid previously considered as possible suitors. However, the transfer landscape at the Bernabeu has reportedly shifted since Jose Mourinho took over as boss earlier this month. Real Madrid has since seen Bernardo Silva arrive from Manchester City on a free transfer and is also exploring a significant move for Mac Allister’s Argentina teammate, Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
Mac Allister’s preferred midfield role
Last season, Mac Allister featured in all but two games for Liverpool, being deployed in various midfield roles. This differed from the number six position alongside Ryan Gravenberch that he occupied during the previous campaign. When asked about his preferred position, Mac Allister provided insight into his development as a player.
He explained, “When I was young I used to play as a 10. In Argentina I would play a lot in maybe a diamond, so 4-3-1-2.” He further elaborated on his transition, stating, “I used to play as 10. Then when I came to England, (playing) at 10 was a little harder for me, so I moved a little bit deeper to play as an eight.”
Mac Allister expressed his versatility and desire to contribute wherever needed, saying, “I like to do a bit of everything and try to help the team wherever I can.” He emphasized his preference for being involved in play, concluding, “I like to be close to the ball, and I feel like to be close to the ball. Maybe the position as a double six is my best position. But I can play everywhere.”
This message from Mac Allister is likely to be noted by new boss Andoni Iraola, who will be tasked with maximizing the midfielder’s potential if he remains at Anfield for the upcoming season.
Midfielders Mac Allister admires
In a conversation with ESPN’s Ball Knowledge, Mac Allister also named the midfielders he currently admires most in the sport. He highlighted Barcelona’s Pedri and the Paris Saint-Germain duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves.
Mac Allister stated, “I would say Pedri (is favourite). He’s in a really good level and he’s showing the whole world how to play football.” He added his appreciation for the PSG players, saying, “Then you have Vitinha and Joao Neves as well. We played against them and they are really good and not just on the ball, but physically off the ball they are very smart. I really like them.”
Mac Allister’s current focus remains with Argentina as they prepare for their World Cup fixture against Cape Verde on Friday.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”