Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister discusses preferred role amid transfer speculation
Mac Allister’s Preferred Role and Club Future
Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, has shared insights into his preferred playing position as discussions surrounding his long-term future at the club continue. Currently with Argentina at the World Cup in North America, Mac Allister is preparing for a Round of 32 match against Cape Verde.
The 27-year-old was among several players who experienced an underwhelming season with Liverpool, a period that concluded with Arne Slot being replaced by Andoni Iraola as head coach. Mac Allister’s current contract with the Reds has two years remaining, and he has not yet been offered a new deal.
For some time, there has been speculation linking Mac Allister with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with Real Madrid previously considered potential suitors. However, the situation has reportedly shifted since Jose Mourinho took over as manager at the Bernabeu earlier this month. Real Madrid has since seen Bernardo Silva arrive from Manchester City on a free transfer and is exploring a significant move for Mac Allister’s international teammate, Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
Mac Allister featured in almost every game for Liverpool last season, playing in various midfield roles. He was often deployed away from the number six position alongside Ryan Gravenberch, a role he occupied in the previous campaign.
Midfield Preferences and Influences
When asked about his preferred position, Mac Allister indicated a preference for being close to the ball. He stated, “When I was young I used to play as a 10. In Argentina I would play a lot in maybe a diamond, so 4-3-1-2.” He added that playing as a number 10 was more challenging in England, leading him to move deeper to play as an eight.
Mac Allister expressed a desire to contribute across the pitch, saying, “I like to do a bit of everything and try to help the team wherever I can.” He further clarified his ideal role: “I like to be close to the ball, and I feel like to be close to the ball. Maybe the position as a double six is my best position. But I can play everywhere.”
Speaking to Ball Knowledge, Mac Allister named Barcelona’s Pedri and Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves as his favourite current midfielders. He praised Pedri, stating, “He’s in a really good level and he’s showing the whole world how to play football.”
Regarding Vitinha and Joao Neves, Mac Allister noted, “We played against them and they are really good and not just on the ball, but physically off the ball they are very smart. I really like them.”
Concerns and Future Outlook
Reports suggest that Alexis Mac Allister could become a target for Real Madrid if they manage to offload existing players. Andoni Iraola, the new Liverpool boss, is preparing his squad for his first Premier League game against Newcastle United in late August.
Mac Allister’s performances have drawn criticism from some Liverpool supporters and pundits, including Jamie Carragher. While he was considered a key midfielder in the 2024-25 season when Liverpool won the Premier League title, he sustained an injury in the latter stages of that campaign. This injury led to him missing much of pre-season in 2025 and contributed to a difficult start in 2025-26.
There are concerns regarding the midfielder’s mobility and fitness, with some questioning whether he has experienced a permanent decline. While his short-term future at Liverpool appears to be more uncertain than that of his midfield partner Ryan Gravenberch, the latter is expected to face increased scrutiny if he endures another challenging season in 2026-27.
Ryan Gravenberch is three years younger than Mac Allister and is contracted to Anfield until 2032, whereas Mac Allister’s current deal has two years remaining.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
