Alexis Mac Allister has come up with the perfect answer for Liverpool when questioned over his next steps after the game v Atletico Madrid at Anfield. A few days after disclosing his lack of satisfaction with having been left ‘disheartened’ at Liverpool, the Argentina international scored a spectacular goal in a 2-1 Champions League comeback for his footballing voice.
The occasion was full of emotions. Mac Allister found the net with a big shot and then took the Liverpool badge straight out of his shirt and celebrated in front of the Kop. It was a definite indication of the role the club has in his life.
The midfielder had been brazen in expressing his passion for Liverpool, the club and the city before the match. He also said that he wasn’t trying to prove anything. He had to do what he knew he could do though however, he accepted that they had to go to where he could perform them. He was indeed the talisman of Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool had to find a way to overcome some challenges early in the game when Marcos Llorente advanced the home side up front first. But Liverpool now got the nod to get it out of their system as opposed to Atletico and started construction.
It was given to Liverpool when they needed it most, as Deputy did the equaliser before halftime.Before half-time, it was Deputy who did the equaliser for Liverpool.
It was then Mac Allister’s turn. He was able to cover the ball outside the goalbox and delivered a fantastic left footed shot. Goalkeeper of the moment Jan Oblak is seen by many as one of the best goals keepers in world football, however a shot he had no chance to stop.
The win put Liverpool on the right foot and would mark their first win at Anfield this season.
It was a significant moment, too, for Mac Allister. His performance came at the perfect time. As Liverpool’s midfielder remains under contract until 2028, there has been an increasing amount of talk about the reasons behind the lack of a new deal for the player.
Mac Allister is aware though, that the most powerful way to alter this is his actions on the pitch.Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said the midfielder did the ‘right thing’.
The message was clear: Go strive for a new contract. The dependent nature of Mac Allister’s goal would be another instance of his distance skills. He has scored five of his 20 goals in all competitions at Liverpool from outside the box.
Liverpool have another attacking option from him in attack as he’s capable of hitting the target from distance, particularly if they are pushed back and they play without sufficient targets in their half.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also hailed Mac Allister’s impressive performance and encouraged him to “continue letting his football speak for him”. Gerrard is convinced he will get the prize which he is looking for after a regular on-field display. The consistency will now be what is crucial.
Just one good performance does not determine a contract dispute, particularly in a team looking to win a significant trophy at a club that has to play to win. Mac Allister will have to maintain this pace overall this season.
Yet, however, his value to Liverpool becomes apparent. He has won the World Cup, Premier League championship and is an all-time international midfielder. He will be able to play through the midfield and produce goals and chances for Liverpool in a controlling game. He is also quick to the fore who has understood how to work with other players to attack the field.
But for Liverpool it is still a ‘work in progress’ under manager Andoni Iraola. The team is beginning to pick up the style, however there are areas which need to become more consistent.
Indeed, Mac Allister’s form might play a big role in that improvement. He has shown a range of abilities in the centre of the midfield, which provides Liverpool with flexibility, and his savian passing and shooting qualities can enable him to tear apart tough midfields.
The win over Atletico Madrid was thus not a matter of three points instead it was a matter of three points and the development of teammates, co-workers and colleagues.
Liverpool replied with a good comeback after a tough start to the encounter. It could also have been a lesson on how much they can deliver when he’s at the top of his game in a game that’s right for him.
The midfielder now has only one message to send:
Keep performing.
Keep working.
Continued with letting the football speak.
Mac Allister could leave Liverpool soon if he has anything to play for as the journey of speculation over his career move will take a turn after his performance against Atletico Madrid.
When it comes to football, there’s no such thing as a bad offer.
However, Mac Allister just has Liverpool starting to seriously think again.