Liverpool put in the kind of performance we’ve become used to seeing from them to dispatch RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The Reds have not taken long to find an identity under Arne Slot and a clear blueprint for how they’re going to play under the Dutchman has quickly developed.
After the hectic and full throttle nature of Jurgen Klopp’s preferred approach, the more controlled style of football Liverpool are currently playing will not be for everyone.
But whether you want to see the Reds be a little more gung-ho or not, there’s little question that at the moment, things are really working.
Slot has now masterminded the best start to a season in Liverpool history. Given the success this club has had during its glittering past, that is quite some achievement.
There have been a number of members of the Liverpool squad who have been absolutely crucial to Slot implementing the changes needed to play a more methodical style of game. Arguably, though, none have been more important than Alexis Mac Allister.
Frank Leboeuf hails ‘very special’ Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool’s midfield have made plenty of headlines over the early part of this season.
Ryan Gravenberch has been astonishingly good and has been the focus of much of the attention, with good reason.
But while Gravenberch deserves his plaudits, Mac Allister has been just as key alongside him.
The Argentine sets the tempo so well for Liverpool, controlling possession beautifully while also having the capability to unlock the attack in a single moment.
After some fitness doubts following the international break Mac Allister was reduced to a role on the bench for Sunday’s win over Chelsea.
Restored to the line-up for the Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, though, ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf claimed that Mac Allister ‘made a huge difference’ to Liverpool.
“The fact that Mac Allister came back in the middle of the park makes a huge change, a huge difference,” said the France World Cup winner.
“He almost scored a goal as well. I really think that guy is very special when he’s in the middle of the park with Gravenberch, who really surprises me. I never thought he would be at that level. He’s a great midfielder.”
Alexis Mac Allister almost scores goal of the season
It isn’t just tempo-setting or defence-picking that Mac Allister does so well for Liverpool.
As we saw last season, the 25-year-old can also hit a mean long-range strike. His goals against Fulham and Sheffield United at Anfield will live long in the memory.
Against RB Leipzig, Mac Allister almost had another. His curled effort beat Peter Gulacsi before clipping the crossbar on the way over.
It was an excellent strike, but what came before it was equally as beautiful. Liverpool passed it crispy and intelligently all the way from Caoimhin Kelleher right up to Mac Allister on the edge of the penalty area.
The No.10’s one-two with Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the best you’ll ever see on a football pitch and had Mac Allister’s effort found the back of the net, it would have been celebrated as one of the great Liverpool goals. He’s got that in his locker and so much more. What a player.
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