How good is Alexis Mac Allister? | Scouting

Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the Premier League’s most improved players this season. From showing moments of brilliance as a 10 to became a complete all-rounder for both Brighton and Argentina, fulfilling a number of different roles. He combines some of the best qualities of all the Liverpool midfielders over the past few years. Let’s analyse it.

He stands out for his ability to drive into space. Not only does this require perceptions of where to take space, but the confidence to drive at the opposition, forcing the defense to drop back, and then wait for the right moment to release the ball. Mac Allister ranked ninth in the division for carries completed into the final third of the pitch this season. 

He has the ability to retain possession through short passes while also using his vision to progress the ball forward and find pockets of space to receive possession. Those movements between the lines were very useful for the Argentine national team at the World Cup, as were his runs into the box, taking advantage of his good physique to finish. It would be difficult for the Argentinean to beat his tally of 10 goals in 35 appearances for Brighton this campaign. Although De Zerbi believes Mac Allister has the ability to provide more goals.

Out of possession Liverpool should have no concerns regarding Mac Allister’s ability to contribute to their famed counter-press. He was in the Premier League’s leading 25 players for ball recoveries in the final third per 90 minutes last season and top 20 for across the whole field.

Mac Allister has the intelligence and tactical awareness to perform in Liverpool’s classic 4-3-3 midfield with one No 6 and two No 8s or the new 3-4-3 inverted full-back system with two No 6s and two No 10s in possession.

Klopp will have pre-season to help mould Alexis Mac Allister into the player he wants him to be and fight again for the Premier League.