Why Alexis Mac Allister Is the Ideal Signing for Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister’s development over the past season has been nothing short of remarkable. Emerging from a playmaker role at Brighton, he evolved into a dynamic, all-round midfielder for both club and country. His versatility, technical quality, and adaptability have drawn attention across Europe, culminating in his move to Liverpool. This article examines why Mac Allister is an excellent addition to the Reds’ midfield, breaking down his positioning, attacking and defensive attributes, and what he offers to Liverpool’s evolving system.
The Evolution of Mac Allister’s Midfield Role
In recent campaigns with Brighton, Mac Allister subtly transformed his game. Once best known as a classic number 10, he began to fill a variety of midfield positions, including as a deep-lying playmaker (DLP), box-to-box ‘8’, and even a ‘6’ protecting the backline. This positional flexibility made him essential in Brighton’s historic sixth-place finish, and mirrored his role changes for Argentina during the World Cup, where he often played ahead of a more defensive midfielder.
Liverpool’s midfield over the last five years has been shaped by diverse talents: the spatial intelligence of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson’s long passing, and Thiago Alcantara’s close control. Mac Allister combines elements of all three, showing the ability to surge into space, remain composed under pressure, and execute incisive passes. At just 24 and costing around £35 million, his signing represents tremendous value—particularly in today’s transfer market.
Tactical Adaptability and Versatility
Under Graham Potter at Brighton, Mac Allister regularly shifted roles to suit the squad’s needs. He started as a creative midfielder, drifting between the number 10 position, a false nine, and an inverted winger. Following the departure of Yves Bissouma, he moved back into a holding position, frequently partnering with Moisés Caicedo to secure the midfield base.
For Argentina, Lionel Scaloni deployed Mac Allister as an energetic box-to-box player, slotting ahead of Enzo Fernandez and providing relentless movement and coverage, crucial to their World Cup triumph. Later at Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi alternated him between a deep midfielder and more advanced positions.
This positional intelligence ensures Mac Allister can excel anywhere in midfield. Whether as a shuttling number 8, a focused playmaker, or even a tactical number 6, he adapts to the demands of each manager and system—a trait Liverpool’s multifaceted approach under Jürgen Klopp values immensely.
Attacking Contributions and Creative Impact
One of Mac Allister’s standout attributes is his forward drive. He has an innate sense for when and how to move into space, often progressing the ball through carries and quick, incisive passes. With an average of 2.15 progressive carries per 90 minutes and a dribble success rate close to 60% over four seasons, he consistently pushes the opposition back and opens opportunities for teammates.
Statistically, his attacking output stands out among midfielders. In his final Brighton campaign, he netted 10 goals in 35 appearances, including six penalties, ranking in the top 1% of midfielders for shots per game and strong non-penalty expected goals (xG) figures. Mac Allister times his runs into the box well, is proficient at shooting from distance, and can take set pieces—adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s often goal-shy midfield.
His passing repertoire further amplifies his value. A 68% long pass completion rate and high offensive duel success (around 52%) make him a rare blend of creativity and physical engagement. Unlike some specialists, Mac Allister seamlessly contributes as a dribbler, deep-lying distributor, and advanced playmaker, excelling at both short combinations and direct passes over distance.
Defensive Responsibility and Pressing Intelligence
Mac Allister’s growth as a defender is notable, especially when utilized deeper in the midfield. His reading of the game stands out: he anticipates opposition moves, covers passing lanes, and is adept at helping his team regain shape and balance during transitions.
While Brighton often adopted man-to-man defensive strategies, Mac Allister’s discipline ensured that he filled gaps left by adventurous teammates and rarely left the defensive line exposed. This awareness is crucial in systems like Liverpool’s, where counter-pressing and spatial coverage are key. Although not renowned for extravagant numbers in tackles or interceptions, his positional play disrupts opponents’ rhythm and forces them to adjust their attacks.
His aerial presence, while not a natural strength due to his 5’8” frame, is complemented by strong physicality and clever positioning. Different data sources disagree on his aerial duel percentages, but match observations show him frequently making important contributions, especially during set-pieces and defensive transitions.
Why Liverpool’s Midfield Gains a Major Upgrade
Liverpool’s midfield has periodically lacked the all-round qualities Mac Allister brings: creative passing, energetic pressing, versatility across positions, and an ability to contribute goals. His combination of technical finesse and tactical discipline means he can fit into a variety of roles, supporting both possession play and high-intensity pressing.
Furthermore, his experience at the highest levels—with both Brighton challenging for Europe and Argentina winning the World Cup—positions him as a player ready for the demands of Anfield. At £35 million, Mac Allister arrives at a fraction of the fees typically required for top-level midfielders, allowing Liverpool financial flexibility for further squad strengthening.
Summary
Alexis Mac Allister’s journey from Brighton’s creative spark to a multifaceted international midfielder makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s ambitions. His ability to balance creative flair with disciplined defending, his adaptability to tactical shifts, and his proven output in both domestic and international competitions make him a transformative signing for the Reds. Bringing Mac Allister to Anfield isn’t just a smart transfer in terms of value for money—it could reshape Liverpool’s midfield for seasons to come.
