Liverpool need to drop star whose ‘restricting Kerkez’ | OneFootball

Slot Faces Big Midfield Call as Mac Allister Struggles

Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot has started brightly on paper. The Reds are top of the Premier League, through to the Champions League group stages with early wins, and advancing in the League Cup. Yet beneath those encouraging results lies a growing problem in midfield that Slot can no longer afford to ignore.

Mac Allister’s Decline in Form

Alexis Mac Allister was one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers last season. His vision, technical quality and composure were integral as the Reds secured the Premier League title with weeks to spare. However, the current campaign has painted a different picture.

The Argentine has looked short of the physical sharpness that Slot demands from his players. His numbers underline the decline: Mac Allister has won just nine of his 21 ground duels this season, and against Crystal Palace – in what became Liverpool’s first defeat of the campaign – he failed to win a single one.

Slot’s football is built on intensity, winning duels and controlling transitions. In that respect, Mac Allister’s current return is not sustainable. At 43%, his duel success rate ranks among the lowest in Liverpool’s midfield. That deficiency has knock-on effects for others around him.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Impact on Kerkez

One of Slot’s summer recruits, Milos Kerkez, arrived with a reputation for driving forward from left-back. Last season, the Hungarian was among Europe’s most progressive full-backs, known for overlapping runs and dangerous deliveries into the box.

But because of Mac Allister’s defensive vulnerabilities on the left side of midfield, Kerkez has been asked to curb his instincts and sit deeper. This tactical adjustment is designed to protect spaces that Mac Allister cannot cover, yet it strips Kerkez of his greatest strengths.

As a result, Liverpool’s left flank is becoming predictable. Attacking balance is compromised, and the full-back’s attacking qualities are being wasted. For a team aiming to compete on all fronts, that is a costly limitation.

Case for Curtis Jones

The obvious alternative is Curtis Jones, who has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most efficient midfielders in the opening weeks. Slot values players who can combine technical ability with aggression in duels, and Jones appears to tick both boxes.

So far this season, he has won 11 of his 14 ground duels in the Premier League – a far stronger return than Mac Allister. Beyond the numbers, Jones also offers mobility and an understanding of when to press and when to recycle possession. His profile aligns more closely with Slot’s blueprint.

While Mac Allister may rediscover his form, right now his presence is creating structural issues for Liverpool. Dropping him would be a bold move, but Slot has shown in previous jobs that he is not afraid to make difficult decisions when the team’s intensity is at stake.

Slot’s Dilemma

Slot faces a decision that could define Liverpool’s rhythm in the months ahead. Persist with Mac Allister in the hope that he regains last season’s consistency, or give Jones the extended run he has arguably earned.

For Liverpool to remain competitive across multiple competitions, midfield functionality cannot be compromised. Slot’s system requires energy, speed and duel-winning ability. Until Mac Allister proves he can deliver those elements again, the logical step may be to step aside – and allow Curtis Jones to show that he can carry the role.