Argentine media confirm what Liverpool fans already know about Alexis Mac Allister after Cape Verde win
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Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina were given a huge World Cup scare on Friday as they edged past Cape Verde in extra-time.The African side have been the surprise package of the tournament, but were expected to be beaten easily by the holders.But easy it certainly was not for Mac Allister, Messi and co, and although they made it through to the last-16 – where they will meet Mohamed Salah’s Egypt – the Argentine press have confirmed that Liverpool‘s No. How does Andoni Iraola fit Wirtz and Isak into Liverpool’s starting XI next season?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/David Ramos/Joe Prior/Visionhaus Mac Allister ‘a few yards behind’ against Cape VerdeOf all the Liverpool players to struggle last season, Mac Allister was arguably the most impacted.From being one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024/25, the 27-year-old looked like he might well be finished at the top-level. Perhaps part of Mac Allister’s problem is that he has never fully been played in his best position for Liverpool.
Regularly playing in a deeper role, when moved forward is often when his best work has arrived.This has been clear for a while at club level, but was accentuated last season, and according to both TyC Sports and Ole, Mac Allister works better in a more advanced position for his country as well.Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Every time Mohamed Salah has faced Lionel Messi as legendary pair set up World Cup dateThat is not where he started the Cape Verde match, with TyC Sports admitting that the World Cup winner was ‘a few yards behind’ where fans really want to see him.His physical effort is praised, and it’s claimed that he carried out his tactical work ‘satisfactorily’ while also positioning himself well, but the inference is that he needs to be played higher up the pitch.Ole make this point more fiercely, handing Mac Allister a four out of 10, claiming that he ‘was not a significant presence,’ as the player who regularly collected the ball from the defence.The former Brighton man reportedly ‘loosened up’ when Leandro Paredes came on late in game, though, and is said to have been more involved around the Cape Verde penalty area as a result.Though he can certainly play deeper in a midfield, it has been clear for a while now that Mac Allister cannot perform all of the duties needed of him in this position. Andoni Iraola should be watching closely, and perhaps a little tweak in position is needed for him to give Mac Allister the best chance of a rebirth next season.