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Lewis Steele Questions Alexis Mac Allister Form and Curtis Jones Role at Liverpool

Liverpool’s difficult season under Arne Slot has prompted growing scrutiny of individual performances and tactical decisions. During a recent episode of Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, journalist Lewis Steele joined host Dave Davis to analyse the club’s current problems, with particular focus on Alexis Mac Allister’s form and Curtis Jones’ lack of minutes.

As Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League following the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Steele suggested that issues in midfield are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Lewis Steele Questions Alexis Mac Allister’s Recent Form

One of the most striking parts of the discussion centred on Alexis Mac Allister, whose performances this season have drawn criticism. Steele made clear that while the Argentine midfielder’s ability is not in doubt, his recent displays have fallen well short of expectations.

“We all know how good Alexis Mac Allister can be and probably will still be, but he needs a run out of the team and everyone’s been saying that for months now,” Steele told Dave Davis on the Media Matters podcast.

The Liverpool midfielder has remained a regular selection for Arne Slot despite a dip in form. Steele suggested that persistence with the same midfield combination has become difficult to justify.

“What does he see in Alexis Mac Allister’s performances in the last six months that we don’t see?” Steele asked during the conversation.

He also pointed to a specific statistic from the Tottenham match that underlined his concerns.

“What was it, two out of ten duels? He won two duels on Sunday.”

Curtis Jones’ Absence Raises Further Questions

While Mac Allister continues to start regularly, Curtis Jones has struggled to secure playing time, a situation Steele admitted he finds puzzling.

When Davis asked about the Liverpool academy graduate’s recent absence from the team, Steele was direct in his response.

“No idea,” he said when asked about the situation between Jones and Arne Slot.

Steele suggested that the lack of opportunities for Jones is even harder to understand when considering the struggles elsewhere in the Liverpool midfield.

“He can’t do any worse than the current midfielder doing,” Steele said, referring to the team’s recent performances.

Photo: IMAGO

The situation has become even more noticeable in recent weeks. Jones did not feature at all in the European fixture in Istanbul, and Steele acknowledged that something behind the scenes may be influencing the decision making.

“There must be something,” he said. “I don’t think it’s not felt right since then.”

Midfield Balance a Growing Concern for Liverpool

The wider conversation highlighted how Liverpool’s midfield has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. Steele pointed out that several players who performed well last season have not maintained the same level.

“Gravenberch started the game okay, but off the ball, I don’t know. He’s nowhere near what he was last season,” Steele said.

That inconsistency has left Arne Slot with difficult decisions, yet Steele believes more rotation may have helped Liverpool address their problems earlier.

“Surely he thinks, well, let’s just give Curtis a go and see what he can do,” Steele suggested.

Instead, the Liverpool manager has continued to rely on familiar combinations, even as performances have declined.

Liverpool Searching for Midfield Answers

As Liverpool approach the decisive stages of the season, the midfield debate is likely to intensify. For Steele, the most puzzling aspect remains the persistence with players who have struggled for months.

“We’re in March now,” he said. “It’s been six months since either of them put in a performance anywhere near their best.”

The discussion on Media Matters reflected a growing concern around Liverpool’s midfield structure and selection choices. With Arne Slot under increasing pressure to improve results, decisions regarding Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones may become a defining part of the conversation in the weeks ahead.