The real Alexis Mac Allister returned for Liverpool in fiery Aston Villa display

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This has, no doubt by his own admission, Mac Allister’s most difficult campaign as a Liverpool player so far. One of only two players to keep his place from the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, there was more scrutiny over Mac Allister’s involvement for the visit of Villa on Saturday night.

That passion has, at least visibly, been lacking from Mac Allister’s game this season, with it evident that he has played catch-up when it comes to his physical fitness and, as a result, his mental sharpness. That it came in a reunion of last season’s tried-and-trusted midfield trio of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch was surely no coincidence; and similarly with Andy Robertson making his first league start over Milos Kerkez at left-back.

While Mac Allister has been a regular fixture in the Premier League throughout the campaign – on Saturday starting his eighth of Liverpool’s 10 league games – the pressure he has found himself under left him a fading figure. For months now Mac Allister has been quietly touted with a move to Real Madrid – which, on the basis of this season’s form, some fans welcomed – but ahead of the arrival of Spain’s champions to Anfield, he may have now proved his long-term worth again.