Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has already spoken of his latest experiment in midfield, long before he took the field. It was a clue to Chelsea.
As Liverpool played out their win against Darmstadt, it was good run-off for Jürgen Klopp’s players ahead of the trip to Chelsea this weekend when the Premier League returns.
How much can you read in a match against a bad enough opponent with limited attack threat? Not much, but Liverpool can still draw some courage from a string of performances. Luis Díaz continued to look strong in attack, Mohamed Salah impressed and Diogo Jota found his way back to the net. With Cody Gakpo in midfield, Liverpool have found a way to accommodate as many forward-thinking talents as possible, while having Darwin Núñez and the electrifying Ben Doak on the sidelines.
But in the end, it was Alexis Mac Allister who stole the show. The Argentine world champion was a quality player in the center of the pitch, exuding quality with every touch.
Considering he has previously played as a defensive midfielder, it was surprising that this was the first time he had been spotted in that role in a Liverpool shirt. It certainly makes a lot more sense than putting Curtis Jones there, as was the case against Bayern Munich last week.
Jones was back in his usual striker role when he entered the pitch here, suggesting Mac Allister will feature there against Chelsea on Sunday.
Mac Allister hasn’t given up the ball and there is no doubt that as a footballer he is an extremely intelligent player. If anyone could adapt to a slightly new role at the last minute – certainly new to his new club – it’s the 24-year-old. In fact, Klopp had hinted that was a possibility when the former Brighton man was announced as Liverpool’s first signing this summer. “I don’t think the world of football needs me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities as they’re already quite well known, but it’s clear he’s someone who can play in multiple positions in midfield and is an all-rounder. More well-rounded, I’d say,” he Klopp told Liverpool’s official website when the transfer was announced.
“He’s calm and composed and someone with just the right game intelligence. We’re adding a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled guy to our roster and that’s really fantastic news.”
Overall, Mac Allister will play a more advanced role for Liverpool, with almost a similar function to Thiago in terms of ball progression, creativity and pressing. But in the short term, Klopp has a viable option to play as his defensive midfielder until a more suitable option emerges.
In time, it could very well be Roméo Lavia if Liverpool and Southampton can agree on a transfer. For now, however, Klopp knows he can trust Mac Allister to fit in. While Darmstadt and Chelsea are very different beasts, the fact that his new summer signing has made an impression can only be a positive sign to hold on to.
In the absence of a more natural option in midfield, Mac Allister is the best player Liverpool can use.
