Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Premier League trophy hadn't even been lifted when Arne Slot began challenging his players over their elite mentality and desire to go again next season in the defence of the title.

But there's one player with whom he will have no such concerns.

When it comes to being a winner, Alexis Mac Allister has proven himself several times over.



For him to be so good and to fight so hard, to be mentally that strong, that's what you need if you want to win a tournament like the World Cup."

READ MORE:Milos Kerkez transfer latest as Liverpool aiming to complete dealREAD MORE:Liverpool transfer stance on Luis Diaz amid Barcelona and Saudi links as officials baffled

Having grappled with a set position during his debut season under Jurgen Klopp last term, the arrival of Slot provided clarity for Mac Allister with the Argentina international employed on the left-hand side of two deep-lying midfielders alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The partnership provided the foundation for Liverpool's superb start to the season that paved the way for the Reds to romp home to a record-equalling 20th championship while also reaching the League Cup final.

But it was from December onwards Mac Allister truly began to shine when, as fatigue began to affect several of his fellow midfielders, the 26-year-old dug deep and was arguably Liverpool's best performer during the second half of the campaign.

Article continues below

There were some notable performances, particularly in the 2-2 Goodison derby draw against Everton, the home triumph against Newcastle United, the 5-0 win at West Ham United and the dramatic late victory in the reverse fixture.

It was wholly appropriate, then, that it was Mac Allister who struck the goal that effectively sealed the title, thumping home from the edge of the area to put Liverpool ahead against Tottenham Hotspur in April and ensure one of the greatest occasions Anfield has ever experienced.

While Mac Allister's influence was apparent in several ways - his tenacity one of his most undervalued attributes - it could be seen in the numbers.

In the eight Premier League games in which he didn't start, Liverpool won only three, of which one saw them 1-0 down at home to Southampton until Mac Allister was introduced in the second half.

Article continues below

Mac Allister was no less effective in the Champions League, scoring in the wins over Bologna and Real Madrid, and in the League Cup featured in every game although he was one of many Liverpool players to be below par in the final defeat to Newcastle United.

Small wonder, then, the rumbles of interest from Real Madrid as the European Super League advocates look to reconfigure their midfield.

Mac Allister, though, has declared himself happy at Liverpool with no plans to be Bernabeu-bound.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.