Alexis McAllister is putting up some very interesting numbers for Liverpool. They ask questions about the big plan. Alexis McAllister is a very talented midfielder who arrived at Liverpool this summer.
However, due to the Reds’ lack of a central midfield role, he was soon thrust into that role. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left the club in the summer, leaving a void in the region. Wataru Endo was brought up as an option but said it would take time to adjust.
So it was up to Mac Allister to fill that void. He is the man who protects the defense and press in the deepest part of the midfield. Is he really a good person?The Argentine has had his moments this season when he is not happy with himself. It’s not fast, it’s not particularly strong, and it catches. But if you look at the stats of Mac Allister and other top players in that role, they seem to be doing very well.As David Lynch points out, Opta’s data shows how Mac Allister’s numbers match (and often beat) similar competitors in the role. You can see a more detailed comparison of FBref here.
You can see that Mac Allister makes more tackles, more turnovers, more pass interceptions and averages more tackles and interceptions than Rhodri, Declan Rice or Bruno Guimarez. The problem is that Mac Allister has a lot more work to do than the other midfielders mentioned. He averaged 50% more shots from the midfield three and almost twice as many from the attacking three. This includes extra rebounds, blocks and extra dribbles. So while Mac Allister is doing well, Liverpool are asking the absentee to do more than his rivals in the role. One more time. Of course, this cannot continue. Mac Allister will have a hard time keeping track of it all.
This is a symptom of the Reds’ overall game plan, where the high pressure leaves Argentina with little support and at times very isolated. On the other hand, the team will definitely benefit from having professional players. McAllister himself undoubtedly prefers natural roles.
If they leave the defensive specialist behind and move him forward a bit, Liverpool will be safer than they are now.Not only would such a player be a better fit for him, but it would also help to have Mac Allister alongside him, a player who can hold his own in less-than-ideal situations.
