Mac Allister: Anything To Stop Argentina Duty | OneFootball

Liverpool Must Prioritise Keeping Mac Allister Away from Argentina Duty

Liverpool find themselves in a precarious position regarding their star midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister. His contributions to the team’s success this season cannot be overstated, but the threat of injury looms large. As Argentina comfortably tops their World Cup qualifying group, there’s a compelling case for keeping Mac Allister grounded in Merseyside. The midfielder is currently managing abductor discomfort from his recent international fixtures against Chile and Colombia, seemingly worsened in the game against Crystal Palace from the weekend.

Long Haul to Argentina: An Unnecessary Risk

Let’s face it: having Mac Allister board a plane for a 15,000-mile round trip, especially when his injury status is uncertain, is a huge gamble. This isn’t just a routine knock; reports indicate it’s a groin injury—a tricky area that often worsens with overexertion. Mac Allister was subbed off as a precaution during the Reds’ 1-0 over Palace. As Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, commented:

Slot’s remarks highlight a larger issue: Is it worth risking Mac Allister’s long-term fitness for a match that holds little significance for Argentina? Lionel Scaloni’s side sits comfortably atop the table, making it unnecessary for Mac Allister to play. Liverpool, on the other hand, need him now more than ever.

Statistical Brilliance: Why Liverpool Need Him

Mac Allister’s stats this season show why he is essential to Liverpool’s midfield. According to FBREF’s data, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for tackles, showcasing his ball-winning ability. In interceptions, he’s in the 99th percentile, reflecting his superb reading of the game and ability to disrupt opposition attacks. Additionally, he ranks in the 85th percentile for expected assisted goals (xAG), demonstrating his ability to both win the ball and create scoring opportunities from deep positions.

These stats underline his irreplaceable role in Liverpool’s midfield engine. Losing him for an extended period due to injury could be catastrophic, especially with key Premier League fixtures looming. The risk of exacerbating his injury through long travel and strenuous matches could see him sidelined during a critical part of the season.

Argentina Don’t Need Him Right Now

While every player dreams of representing their country, sometimes common sense must prevail. Argentina, having virtually secured their qualification spot, can manage without Mac Allister for these upcoming matches. They have plenty of depth to rotate players, and with bigger challenges ahead in the World Cup, Scaloni should recognise the long-term value of giving his players the rest they need.

Photo: IMAGO

Mac Allister is still dealing with discomfort in his adductor, and playing him in back-to-back matches, compounded by the fatigue of travel, doesn’t benefit anyone. Liverpool, understandably, will want to protect one of their key players, especially given how pivotal he has been to their success.

Prioritising Club Over Country

The club vs. country debate arises time and again, but in this instance, the stakes are too high to ignore. Liverpool is fighting to regain their place at the top of English football, and Mac Allister’s absence could impact the squad’s overall performance. While Argentina’s desire to field their best players is understandable, playing an injured Mac Allister is unnecessary.

Liverpool should do everything in their power to keep him out of this international break. If necessary, they must coordinate with Argentina’s medical staff to emphasise the risks of playing Mac Allister while injured. The well-being of the player must come first, especially when he isn’t fully fit. Whether Scaloni likes it or not, the next ten fixtures for Liverpool are far more challenging without the best version of Mac Allister on the pitch. The club must take a firm stand, even if it means leveraging medical reports to ensure he doesn’t travel.