Jurgen Klopp is left with no choice but to use Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool’s defensive midfield against Chelsea.
That’s the view of former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson. Like many Liverpool fans last night, Lawrenson saw Mac Allister play wonderfully in a new role as number 6 for the Reds.
And speaking to LFCTV after the game, the pundit claimed the Argentine was now the standout candidate to start at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
“I can’t imagine anyone doing this job,” the 66-year-old admitted. “He’s smart and to play in that position is to be in that position and to keep that position. It’s different but if you look at the players we have I don’t see anyone who can do that at the moment.”
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor, who covered the game alongside Lawrenson, reiterated that point.
“I left here thinking we’re going to see Mac Allister in this position for Chelsea,” he said. “I really noticed it today.
“Yes, sometimes we will see him play higher up the pitch, but he seems the most obvious candidate to start in this position against Chelsea.”
Mac Allister finds a new role
There have been some outstanding players for Liverpool this pre-season. The attacking quintet particularly caused a sensation with their goals and assists.
But maybe secretly Mac Allister was just as good.
The £35m signing has played a variety of roles for his new side. It is a testament to his technical quality and footballing brains that he performed well in all matches.
Obviously, he’s not an option in Liverpool’s midfield long term. Keeping the 24-year-old there permanently would mean his attacking qualities would be weakened somewhat.
Still, it’s good to know that Mac Allister can step in if needed, even though he lacks the talent for his current position at the club.
For now, it looks like one of those occasions will be Sunday. Liverpool are still working on a deal to bring Romeo Lavia to Anfield but there’s no chance the Belgian will start at Stamford Bridge even if he had signed beforehand.
Instead, Curtis Jones appeared to be the man who owned the shirt. Unfortunately for Jones, Mac Allister seems to have ripped it off him.
