Alexis Mac Allister is on trial at Liverpool now - that's harsh but here's why
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This week's Blood Red column from the Liverpool ECHO's Liverpool correspondent Paul Gorst assesses Alexis Mac Allister's long-term future at AnfieldIt was no surprise that a midfielder as classy as Alexis Mac Allister extended that with a gesture off the pitch this week.Asked in Turkey on Monday night if Ryan Gravenberch's new Liverpool contract meant anything for him given the pair joined in the same transfer window nearly three years ago, the Argentina international prefixed his answer by sending a personal message to his colleague."First of all I want to congratulate Ryan because it is really good for him and he deserves it," Mac Allister said. All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageThat admission tallied with soundbites from the player's father, Carlos, in recent weeks that have insisted the Mac Allister camp are awaiting contact from Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes."Alexis is only thinking about Liverpool at the moment,” Mac Allister Snr told WinWin last month.
We will see what the club's plan is. That's all.”With Gravenberch's agent, Jose Fortes Rodriguez, seemingly wrapping the agreement for his client with minimum fuss behind the scenes, and talks ongoing with Dominik Szoboszlai's representative, Matyas Estherhazy, Mac Allister might feel justified in wondering about the plans for him.After all, all three signed in 2023 as part of a huge investment to rebuild a broken engine room and each played an enormous part in the Reds' 20th title win last time out under Arne Slot.Liverpool were determined to tie down Gravenberch for his best years, which, at the age of 23, they believe lie ahead.
It's why discussions also remain in the works with the Hungary captain.Conversely Mac Allister might well be considered the prime example of those whose performances have been nowhere near what they produced last season and at the age of 27, the two years remaining on his current deal mean the Reds are relaxed about his future right now.There is also the very obvious stylistic change to consider when discussing the merits of Mac Allister and his long-term Liverpool future. His gifts centre around technical ability and a bravery in possession to pick the right passes in the heat of midfield battle.The combative qualities he possesses should not be overlooked but at a time when the English game is becoming based more around speed and power in the centre of the park, it feels like Mac Allister is struggling to keep pace.Adding a similar profile to their midfield ranks might yet be on the agenda at Anfield this summer, particularly considering the teak-tough Wataru Endo might have played his last game as a Reds player after breaking his ankle at Sunderland.It might sound harsh for a World Cup and Premier League winning midfielder to hear but this season's drop-off might cause Liverpool to take an alternative to view to how they see things regarding Gravenberch and Szoboszlai.Is this just a poor season from the former Boca Juniors man?