Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reveals his preferred position for Alexis Mac Allister as he continues to shine at any role
Jurgen Klopp highlighted that he prefers Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister as a number eight despite using his versatility often. Mac Allister scored a sensational goal against Sheffield United, helping the team secure a 3-1 victory at Anfield on Thursday.
Liverpool are once again at the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of Arsenal after the victory. The Reds took a 1-0 lead in the first half but the Blades managed to equalise in the 58th minute.
Liverpool dominated the game in possession but the equaliser caused some panic after they squandered numerous opportunities to add goals. In the 76th minute, Mac Allister caught a loose ball after a Liverpool build-up from the left flank. The unsavable shot into the top corner brought the Reds back to the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking in his post-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Klopp admitted that he prefers Mac Allister as a number eight. He said:
“Yes, I prefer him as well on eight but we are not living in dreamland, so we had the problem on the position tonight and, in the end, it worked out. But yes, the impact, we saw as well that it would be helpful to have him between the lines, between the right lines, their last line. That’s why we changed. But then we changed back to a double six – there he was deeper again. I don’t even exactly know when he scored – if it was from the double six, probably, where we played already 4-4-2, I think, and it was not on eight. But the impact he can have is massive everywhere.”
The 25-year-old started his Liverpool career by playing as a number six due to the shortage of defensive midfielders. New signing Wataru Endo needed time to adjust to the new tactics and the pace of the Premier League.
Mac Allister has played as a number eight alongside Endo after he settled into the team, forming a formidable partnership. The Argentina international has displayed incredible talent in both the defensive and offensive phases of the game.
Mac Allister has made 36 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, contributing with six goals and seven assists this season. His stats in both defensive and playmaking duties are fantastic, making numerous tackles, interceptions, and key passes consistently in games.
More Liverpool news
- Liverpool are ready to trigger £35 million release to bring Bundesliga superstar with 23 G/A to Anfield
- Micah Richard tries to reason why the Liverpool star is yet to receive an England call-up
- Three huge clubs willing to offer €200m for Real Madrid star on Liverpool radar
Many Liverpool fans are considering him as both the signing of the season and the player of the season. Mac Allister has a big role still to play for the Reds as eight games in the Premier League remain alongside the Europa League fixtures.
