How Alexis Mac Allister will fit into Liverpool’s midfield is explained.

Where specifically will the Argentine fit in under Jurgen Klopp now that Alexis Mac Allister is the first acquisition of Liverpool’s midfield rebuild?

The 24-year-old has joined the Reds after the club triggered his release clause, and a deal has been quickly finalized with Brighton.

With a reported salary of £100,000 per week and a five-year contract in place with Liverpool, Mac Allister is set to assume a significant role going forward.

Even though he is a well-known name after helping Argentina win the World Cup and leading Brighton to the Europa League, it’s possible that his precise function is still unclear.

According to Transfermarkt, Mac Allister played as a defensive midfielder 20 times, a central midfielder 23 times, and an attacking midfielder 42 times in 112 games for Brighton.

He lined up on the left side of midfield on ten different occasions, while also filling in as a center forward on six occasions, a right midfielder on two occasions, and a left winger on two occasions.

The remaining seven appearances were made in unspecified roles, but the Argentine is undoubtedly a versatile player.

However, where is he likely to fit into Klopp’s plan?

Harry McMullen noted how Mac Allister is “the perfect fit for the 3-2-5 structure that has powered Liverpool’s resurgence” in his analysis for This Is Anfield in May. ”.

An excerpt from McMullen’s thorough evaluation of Mac Allister, which was initially released on May 10, 2023, is provided below.

After having acted as both a No. 6 as well as a No. Mac Allister would probably start on the left side of midfield for Brighton.

If this were the left-handed No. There would be doubts about his suitability for the No. 8 position in a “classic” 4-3-3 because he would be expected to cover a lot of ground without the ball while having little room for man-to-man creativity.

Mac Allister, however, is a perfect fit for the 3-2-5 system that has fueled Liverpool’s comeback.

He naturally looks for positions between the lines of the opposition before dropping off to receive the ball and build the attack.

A player like Thiago, however, favors playing passes through the lines with the opposition in front of him.

As a No. Mac Allister typically began games for Brighton in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Once the ball is in play, the right-back will turn into midfield, forming a 3-2-5 formation.

The opposition is pinned back when Mac Allister enters the left half-space high up the pitch.

Following the collapse of the first line of defense, Mac Allister will move deeper to receive the ball as the left back makes an overlapping run.

This straightforward rotation throws the defense off guard, allowing Brighton to adopt a 2-2-6 formation that overloads the box and gives them a chance to score.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s switch to midfield now gives Liverpool the opportunity to match this formation precisely thanks to Mac Allister.

Until now, Andy Robertson’s role has been unclear. The Scot is too effective offensively to waste as a center-back, but it’s not clear when it’s safe for him to break the formation and join the attack.

This at Anfield can be unlocked by Mac Allister’s mastery of his position at Brighton.

The signing of Mac Allister by Liverpool indicates that the new tactical system is here to stay.