Liverpool’s Man of the Match: Mac Allister Leads the Way in European Clash

The Anfield Index provides a superb post-match raw podcast (after every match), where it is regular contributor, Dave Hendrick, often states that within the Liverpool central midfield trio, it is the Argentina World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, who is the vital component which allows those around him to flourish.

The on and off ball exploits of the 25-year-old are often sublime and it is commonly overlooked how elite his level of play is. Tonight, against an often-bedazzled Italian visitor, the former Brighton controller was the incisive figure that carried the ball forward for the opening goal, before continuing his run (into the penalty area) to finish off the attack and score the opening goal from close range.

For a fee of just £35m during the summer transfer window of 2023, the acquisition of the controlling entity stands as one of the best pieces of business for this current Liverpool squad. The intelligence and desire of the no.10 is matched only by his sublime skillset, one that puts him into the same quality bracket as the master of Manchester City, Rodri.

With a new and refined system of play being endorsed under new leadership, Arne Slot has clearly demanded quicker turnovers and passing lanes be created by his group, which can only be undertaken with Mac at the centre of play. The best parts of the former Anfield greats, Xabi Alonso, and Georginio Wijnaldum, are that which are integral to the game of the red’s sublime midfield specialist, who has recently been inducted into the leadership group of the European heavyweights.

In an encounter where the visitors are determined to engage with such footballing royalty, often the opposing team can raise their game exponentially. The need for brilliance and composure is demanded from the likes of Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister, who look like the on-pitch generals of their respective lines of play.

Tonight, under the Anfield lights and within the cauldron of cheer and song, certain entities brought their professional manner to the second half display, which shut down and dampened any threat of a comeback.

The man of this match was the conductor of game management, which is vital to decreasing the output of the group that is prone to muscular injuries. When the game state required more possession and less frenzy, this group was able to ease pressure and the star of the evening, Alexis, was the leading light through a sublime European night performance.

Next up Crystal Place, where the Argentina master will again be vital to success.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Bologna