Liverpool’s Midfield Revolution: Alexis Mac Allister’s Tactical Genius Shines

Liverpool fans were treated to another dominant display at Anfield, as the Reds beat Bournemouth 3-0. The game may have ended with a convincing scoreline, but those who watched knew it was Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliance that provided the real spectacle. In this week’s Daily Red podcast, Dave Hendrick broke down the match and praised the transformative effect Mac Allister has had on the team.

Alexis Mac Allister: The Heart of Liverpool’s Midfield

The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton has completely reshaped Liverpool’s midfield. Hendrick didn’t hold back in his praise for the Argentine: “I thought Alexis was absolutely fantastic from start to finish.” Throughout the discussion, it became clear just how important Mac Allister’s tactical awareness is to Liverpool’s game.

One of the standout moments in the podcast was when Hendrick compared Mac Allister’s positional intelligence to the best in the Premier League. “Outside of Rodri, there’s not a better midfielder in the league,” he declared, highlighting Mac Allister’s anticipation and game-reading skills.

Hendrick explained how, unlike other midfielders who are often praised for their athleticism, Mac Allister excels because of his understanding of space and positioning. “When you watch Alexis without the ball, it’s genius-level positional sense,” he added, stressing how the midfielder blocks passing lanes and anticipates the opponent’s moves.

Comparing Mac Allister to Declan Rice

Hendrick’s analysis didn’t stop at Mac Allister’s own abilities; he also compared him to other prominent Premier League midfielders, particularly Declan Rice. “He’s not a better passer than Mac Allister, he’s not a better creator than Mac Allister, and he doesn’t tackle as much either,” Hendrick argued, making a strong case for Mac Allister’s superiority. His point was clear: despite Rice’s £105 million price tag, he doesn’t contribute to his team in as many ways as Mac Allister does for Liverpool.

The tactical nuances that Mac Allister brings to the game also extend beyond just his passing and movement. Hendrick emphasised how the Argentine often covers for his teammates, especially in defensive transitions. “When Virgil decided to go marauding into their half, who’s the fella that immediately drops back into centre-back? It’s Alexis Mac Allister.”

A New Leader in Liverpool’s Midfield

Despite his relatively young age, Mac Allister is already emerging as a leader in Liverpool’s midfield. Hendrick described him as “the glue that holds that midfield together.” While Liverpool have other talented midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, it’s Mac Allister who has become the team’s most dependable figure in the middle of the park.

Hendrick also touched on the importance of Mac Allister’s experience. “He’s more experienced, he’s more centred, and he’s more grounded,” he said, explaining that the Argentine’s maturity has been crucial in guiding the younger players around him.

A Tactical Masterpiece at a Bargain Price

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mac Allister’s signing is the fee Liverpool paid. At £35 million, Hendrick believes Liverpool have pulled off one of the bargains of the decade. “When you look at £105 million for Rice, £100 million plus for Caicedo, and £100 million plus for Enzo, Alexis is a steal,” Hendrick said. The sentiment is clear: Liverpool have landed a world-class talent at a fraction of the price paid for his peers.

Conclusion

As the Premier League season progresses, Alexis Mac Allister is quickly proving to be one of Liverpool’s most important players. His intelligence, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game make him indispensable. As Hendrick so aptly put it, “Alexis Mac Allister is by far our best midfielder, by far our most important midfielder, and one of the three most important players in the team.”