Liverpool Football Club are currently engaged in negotiations to secure the services of Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who emerged as a standout performer in the 2022/23 season.
With Liverpool seeking to address their midfield concerns, the potential signing of Mac Allister holds significant promise. This report explores the implications of this transfer, the player’s expected role within Jurgen Klopp’s system, and the potential impact on Liverpool’s competitiveness.
Mac Allister’s Journey and Transfer Speculations
Having risen from relative obscurity to become a key player in Argentina’s victorious World Cup campaign, Mac Allister’s stock has soared. The emotional farewell to Brighton fans after their final-day loss to Aston Villa indicates that the player is likely to seek new challenges next season.
While Brighton are known for being a selling club, they have attached a hefty £60 million price tag to Mac Allister, a figure that Liverpool appears ready to meet in order to resolve their midfield predicament.
Role of Mac Allister in Klopp’s Liverpool
Towards the end of the previous season, Jurgen Klopp made adjustments to his team’s configuration, allowing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to thrive in a “hybrid” role. This tactical trend, popular across Europe, compensates for Liverpool’s lack of midfield options.
If the transfer materializes, Mac Allister is expected to occupy the left position in a midfield trio, mirroring his role both at Brighton and with the Argentina national team.
While Mac Allister occasionally enjoyed more freedom as a number 10 under Roberto De Zerbi, Klopp’s preferred system relies on a “false number nine” in the form of Roberto Firmino or Cody Gakpo.
Goal-Scoring Prowess and Statistical Comparison
Liverpool have long grappled with a shortage of goals from midfield, with Gini Wijnaldum being the last player capable of consistently contributing from deep. Mac Allister’s arrival would inject a much-needed goal threat into Liverpool’s lineup, offering a fresh dynamic.
His 12 goals for Brighton this season, although six of them from penalties, far surpass Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara. Mac Allister’s superior expected goals (xG) figure of 12.1 further highlights his proficiency in generating high-quality goal-scoring opportunities.
Comparative Analysis
When evaluating defensive attributes, Jones and Thiago fare marginally better than Mac Allister in blocks per 90 minutes. However, Mac Allister’s aerial duels won per game fall short of Thiago’s output, while Jones trails in tackling. Notably, shot-creating actions per 90 minutes reveal similarities among the trio.
| Attribute | Mac Allister | Jones | Thiago |
| Goals | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Assists | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| xG | 12.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 |
| Shot-creating actions (per 90) | 3.3 | 3.3 | 2.95 |
| Tackles (per 90) | 1.06 | 1.57 | 1.01 |
| Blocks (per 90) | 0.81 | 1.04 | 1.08 |
| Take-ons (per 90) | 1.31 | 0.96 | 1.51 |
| Aerial duels won (per 90) | 0.78 | 0.26 | 1.01 |
| Chances created (per 90) | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Successful dribbles (per 90) | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.5 |
The potential addition of Alexis Mac Allister brings excitement to Liverpool supporters, combining his goal-scoring prowess with Klopp’s trademark intensity. While the £70 million price tag may appear steep, it pales in comparison to other high-priced players, such as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Statistical analysis suggests that Mac Allister surpasses Jones and Thiago in various key areas. If the deal goes through, Mac Allister has the potential to significantly enhance Liverpool’s competitive prospects, offering fans a reason to be optimistic about the future.
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport.
My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it’s discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I’m always ready for a football conversation.
