Liverpool news: Opinion – Fan writer on Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister has been the most unheralded of Liverpool’s three starting midfielders this season, but he is perhaps the most important.

Arne Slot rested him against Southampton, and the Reds put in a pitiful first-half performance that saw them 1-0 down against the worst side in the Premier League.

But everything changed when Mac Allister came on at half-time and within 10 minutes Liverpool had scored twice and the match was effectively won.

He passes the ball through the lines at will, enabling Liverpool to transition more quickly and get his attackers on the half-turn. Before his entrance, all the passes into the forwards went to their feet when they were static, so it was too easy for Southampton to defend.

Mac Allister gets stuck in, too. He tackles, presses and his positioning is exceptional. He really is the all-round package in terms of a progressive central midfielder.

Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai looked tired against Southampton, but it is no surprise – they have barely had a rest all season. Slot will use those two and Mac Allister against PSG in the Champions League and Newcastle United in the League Cup final.

Let’s hope they can get through it before the international break. By then, Liverpool may have two trophies wrapped up and be in the quarters of the Champions League – in hope of a potential treble.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop