Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, is currently with Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, where his performances have prompted discussions about his future at Anfield. After a challenging season with Liverpool, his displays on the international stage have been notably different, leading to questions about his role for the upcoming season under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Mac Allister’s journey in the tournament has seen him become a vital player for Argentina. He joined the starting lineup during the group stages of the 2022 tournament and played a key role in their eventual victory. More recently, he opened the scoring in Argentina’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland in Kansas City. This victory set up a semi-final clash against England.
His recent form contrasts with his third season at Liverpool, which was described as disappointing. During that period, Liverpool finished fifth, and Arne Slot was subsequently sacked. Mac Allister’s performances during the club season were seen as sluggish and lacking the aggression needed for Premier League games.
World Cup Impact and Club Redemption
Despite his club form, Mac Allister has achieved a significant personal milestone at the World Cup. He is reportedly the third player to make 12 appearances in the tournament without a defeat and is the only player to have won all 12 of those games. This record, alongside his status as a Premier League and Copa America champion, highlights his pedigree as a ‘winner’.
His opening goal against Switzerland was particularly noteworthy. Standing at 5-foot-9, his aerial contribution from a Lionel Messi corner in the tenth minute was unexpected against a tall Swiss defensive line. This powerful and precise header was a high point in his performance, especially as Switzerland had not conceded first in their World Cup qualifying or the tournament itself.
However, Argentine media offered a mixed assessment of his quarter-final display. While acknowledging the importance of his goal, outlets like Clarín and LA NACION awarded him a 6/10, noting a subsequent dip in performance. Clarín mentioned a “lackluster performance” during a period when Switzerland dominated, while LA NACION observed that his “pace slowed as the minutes ticked by.”
These critiques suggest that while his individual moments can be decisive, consistency across the full 120 minutes of a match is being scrutinised. The upcoming semi-final against England, a team that pressed Argentina relentlessly in the 2022 group stage, will demand a sustained effort from Mac Allister.
Liverpool’s Dilemma
Mac Allister’s strong World Cup performances have presented Liverpool with a dilemma. With two years remaining on his contract and no current discussions about an extension, there had been speculation about his potential departure from Anfield. However, his form in the tournament serves as a timely reminder of his capabilities.
In a transfer market where midfielders are commanding high fees, Liverpool must consider the cost of replacing a player of Mac Allister’s calibre. The club is reportedly in need of several additions across the squad, and offloading him could create an additional problem for Iraola. Keeping players like Mac Allister, who can contribute significantly, could be beneficial for the team.
His improved form could also provide a boost for Liverpool’s chase for silverware and potentially save the club significant transfer funds, especially with other players, such as Curtis Jones, potentially moving on. A strong performance from Mac Allister could also benefit teammates like Dominik Szoboszlai, providing a midfield partner performing at a similar standard.
Mac Allister’s participation in Argentina’s deep World Cup run means he will miss a significant portion of Liverpool’s pre-season. When he returns to Merseyside, the expectation is that he will carry his current form into the new season under Iraola, aiming for redemption after a challenging club campaign.
The semi-final against England is scheduled for Wednesday night.
Read Also
Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com
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.”