Liverpool have found a new number 6 as Klopp pulls off a genius position change
Jurgen Klopp has been using one of his new Liverpool signings, Alexis Mac Allister, in the number 6 position which is a move of genius by the German.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window was dominated by speculation about the club’s pursuit of a ‘number six’.
After having lost Fabinho, it came as a surprise when Klopp seemed to have replaced him with Wataru Endo.
Many had expected the Japanese to be a backup solution in the number 6 role for the Reds. Perhaps, that is why some viewed Ryan Gravenberch as someone who could be used in a more defensive role. Moreover, he has previously played as a holding midfielder in a double pivot.
But that isn’t the Dutchman’s best position, especially in the Liverpool system. He is much more of a box-to-box midfielder, similar to Dominik Szoboszlai. The midfielder brings the best out of the team by roaming forward with exciting runs.
Instead, it’s another new signing who is being molded into a number 6 which is a genius move by Klopp.
Mac Allister transitioning into a number 6 for Liverpool
In recent weeks, it is apparent that Mac Allister is slowly but surely transitioning into a number 6. The midfielder was used largely as a number 8 at Brighton but at Liverpool as 6, largely out of necessity,
However, it isn’t an entirely new position for the Argentine as he has played there at Brighton. Moreover, despite not having familiarity with that role, Mac Allister has thrived as a number 6.
If anything playing him a little bit deeper where he can utilize his distribution best makes sense for Liverpool.
On top of that, what has become apparent in the last few games is that he has it in him to be a destroyer as well.
So far, Mac Allister has made the most tackles and interceptions for the Reds with 15 in the PL. He has especially been really effective in controlling the middle of the park, making seven tackles.
This has been effective for Klopp in stopping advances by the opposition teams and putting the team at risk of being caught out. This is a huge improvement as compared to the last season for the German’s side.
Moreover, he has made 26 recoveries which is the second most in the team. He is tied with the Hungarian for that record while playing 60 minutes less than him.
