Argentina maestro Alexis Mac Allister played a crucial role for Liverpool last season as a number six under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds signed Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion after triggering his release clause of just £35m last summer.

The 25-year-old quickly established himself as a fan favourite and an important cog within Liverpool’s midfield alongside new teammates. Liverpool enjoyed a successful midfield revamp last summer under Klopp that replaced many ageing players with new and younger faces.

However, the club struggled to sign a number six and capture Wataru Endo as the stopgap signing for the team. Endo has impressed the Liverpool hierarchy and the fanbase to earn himself a place as a squad player at Anfield.

Liverpool targeted Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer to secure a first-team calibre number six but once again failed. Zubimendi opted to stay loyal to his hometown club, putting his love for local mountains and cuisines over football ambitions.

Speaking to ESPN, Mac Allister highlighted his favourite position and his willingness to help the team by playing more defensively. He said:

“What I want most is to be able to help the team. This season it’s my turn [to play as a holding midfielder] and I feel that I’ve helped and been at my level and I’ve done well. But there is a reality. I’ve always played as a number 10 or as a more attack midfielder, so it’s very difficult for me. I can say that I always like to be in contact with the ball, in the middle of the field. If a coach puts me as a [number] 5 I think it is because he thinks I can help. If I played as a 5, it’s because I have improved a lot on my defensive side.”

Mac Allister played as the defensive midfielder for Klopp last season and also alongside Endo as a double pivot midfield. The Argentine maintained his consistency in performance despite playing out of his natural position, helping Liverpool maintain their competitiveness.

However, new head coach Arne Slot has opted to play Ryan Gravenberch as a number six where he thrived recently. The tactical change has allowed Mac Allister to play his natural role and contribute more to the attack.

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Mac Allister is very important to the Reds and he could play regularly as a number eight or number 10. The 25-year-old’s technique, creativity and all-round contribution will play a crucial role as Liverpool faces a very tough fixture.