Why Mac Allister is now Liverpool's most influential player

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 32.

Player analysis - Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Mac Allister is fast becoming Liverpool’s new talisman, clicking into top form as the Reds enter the home straight in this season’s title race.

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Across his last six Premier League starts, the Argentine has delivered three goals and four assists, in addition to shining brightly with his general play in the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

The 25-year-old’s stunning top-corner strike against Sheffield United on Thursday was a key moment in yet another top-class individual performance.

And after missing the 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United, Mac Allister will be determined to dominate central midfield at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Mac Allister’s goal v Sheffield United

There are very few central midfielders who share the same all-round qualities as Mac Allister.

Early on this season, Klopp asked him to be the holding player in a 4-3-3 formation, a role he performed well in.

However, Wataru Endo’s emergence has freed up Mac Allister to play in more of a box-to-box role.

This in part explains why Mac Allister’s goal and assist count has dramatically risen, having produced just a single goal and assist in his first 19 appearances for the club.

Endo's impact on Mac Allister (per 90)

These heat maps from different stages of the season show how his role has altered, and he seems to be revelling in the extra freedom he has at the moment

That said, with Endo missing in midweek, Mac Allister was outstanding as defensive midfielder in the 3-1 success over Sheff Utd, where he recovered possession brilliantly and passed the ball with distinction.

Going up against a Man Utd midfield who have struggled to find consistency, he has the confidence and talent to be the most commanding presence in this crunch encounter.

Here is a breakdown of the positions Mac Allister has occupied most this season.

Elite level of output

Mac Allister excels at all aspects of the game.

In Premier League terms, there are only four central midfielders this season who have proved to be outstanding in virtually every department.

The only players to exceed a set of seven differing parameters (see table below) Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher, Bruno Guimares and Mac Allister are the division’s true all-round midfield talents.

While Mac Allister does not lead any of the categories, he has played far fewer minutes than the other three.

Taking this into account, the FIFA World Cup winner can consider his output to be at a truly elite level during his debut season at Anfield.

How Mac Allister compares in midfield 23/24

Big influence

In recent seasons, Liverpool have been reliant on their star-studded front three to produce game-changing moments, but the influence of Mac Allister (and Dominik Szoboszlai) has changed the complexion of their side.

If opponents sit off too deep now and deny the Reds’ forwards space to run into, both players can punish them with strikes from distance.

Mac Allister’s unerring 30-yard effort against Fulham (below) this season proved this, along with his goal against Sheff Utd.

Mac Allister's goal v Fulham

He is also an underrated creator. His outrageous scoop pass for Darwin Nunez against West Ham United in September was one of the assists of the season, and of late he has stepped up to produce more key passes.

His inch-perfect cross for Nunez provided a dramatic late winner at Nottingham Forest, and at home to his former club, Brighton & Hove Albion, it was his clever little slip pass to Mohamed Salah (below) that won them three precious points.

Mac Allister's assist v Brighton

With Endo likely to return to Liverpool’s starting XI at the weekend, we should see Mac Allister playing as a right-sided No 8.

Brimming with confidence and having scored at Old Trafford from that position this season in the FA Cup, Mac Allister is almost certain to be hugely influential figure.

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