Liverpool star labelled ‘world-class’ after incredible Real Madrid performance | OneFootball

Journalist Heaps Praise on Liverpool Star’s Recent Performances

Liverpool have navigated a turbulent opening to the campaign, yet the mood has shifted significantly over the past two fixtures. A polished 3-1 win over Aston Villa was followed by a composed 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Two performances of conviction, clarity and control, and at the centre of this resurgence stands Alexis Mac Allister.

His winning goal against Real Madrid will take the headlines, although the broader picture tells a far more significant story. It reflects the growing influence of a midfielder who has rediscovered rhythm, tempo and assurance at a crucial moment for Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.

Mac Allister’s Resurgent Influence

Few players encapsulate Liverpool’s early season inconsistency more than Mac Allister. He drifted through a long spell where his touch, timing and decision making looked off. David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, captured that sentiment succinctly, noting, “It’s proof again that you’ve got to play players back into form, because he was dreadful for a long time this season.”

Yet Slot persisted with him in key central roles and that persistence has been decisively rewarded. As Lynch added, “This is why you play him, because he’s world-class when he is on it.”

Across the Villa and Real Madrid matches, Mac Allister operated as a conductor in and out of possession. His passing angles, his bravery when receiving under pressure and his composure when stepping into advanced spaces all helped Liverpool dismantle two elite opponents with impressive continuity.

Tactical Value in Slot’s System

Slot’s football is built around structured pressure, midfield fluency and intelligent use of possession. Mac Allister’s strengths align naturally with these demands. Lynch said, “I think he was Liverpool’s most important midfielder last season and he was massive again in these last couple of games.”

The Argentina international is not the quickest, yet he rarely needs to be. Lynch highlighted this attribute, stating, “He’s not the most mobile but because of his reading of the game, he knows where to be to win the ball back.” That awareness is vital when Liverpool push full backs high and compress the pitch.

His contribution stretches beyond the defensive side. As Lynch noted, “Not just the goal, but everything else he gives you in being the extra man in attack and knitting things together in the middle.” Slot’s champions require midfielders who can both build and break phases of play. Mac Allister excels at occupying the seam between those tasks.

Momentum and Meaning for Liverpool’s Season

After the uneven start, Liverpool needed an anchor, a player capable of restoring tempo and balance. Mac Allister has delivered that across two high pressure contests. It is no coincidence that the entire team looked more assured with him setting the platform. Lynch summed up the feeling shared by supporters and coaches alike, saying, “He’s a brilliant and very important player for Liverpool and what a relief it is to see him back playing to this standard.”

Slot’s side appear to be rediscovering their championship rhythm. If Mac Allister maintains this level, Liverpool will continue to look like a team ready to challenge on all fronts.