--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-22T17:22:50.899Z last_updated: 2026-09-22T15:50:04+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/liverpool/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGl2ZXJwb29sZWNoby5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC9mb290YmFsbC1uZXdzL2FsZXhpcy1tYWMtYWxsaXN0ZXItdHJ1dGgtbm93LTM0NjU1NDM3 --- # Mac Allister truth now clear as Liverpool new signing call justified - **Source:** - **Published:** 22 Sept - **Club:** Liverpool - **Original URL:** https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alexis-mac-allister-truth-now-34655437 It's a phrase that would normally send a shudder through those supporters for whom a shimmering new expensive arrival is always preferable to giving a current squad member a second chance. But even the most transfer-centric Liverpool follower would happily agree the return to form of Alexis Mac Allister thus far this season has been very much like a new signing. Mac Allister demonstrated at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon his growing importance under new head coach Andoni Iraola with a commanding and disciplined display as the Reds continued their unbeaten start to the campaign. The Argentina international, a late arrival for pre-season having featured in his second successive World Cup final, was on the bench for the Premier League opener at Newcastle United before a positive cameo helped Liverpool come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. Since then, he has started all bar the dismal goalless stalemate at home to Fulham that matched anything Arne Slot's suffering side were involved in last season. And his partnership with Dominik Szoboszlai has, at least for now, seen Ryan Gravenberch - his deeper defensive sidekick for much of the Slot era - kicked to the bench. It's worth remembering that for all his travails last term, no player made more appearances for Liverpool than Mac Allister, who featured in 55 of the 57 games. Was he distracted by his imminent World Cup duties with Argentina? It's understandable, although the more likely reason for his alarming drop in form was a combination of many factors, some out of his control. And similar to Cody Gakpo - another to have improved dramatically of late - Mac Allister was among those tainted by almost always being involved. That he refused to shirk responsibility became more hindrance than help to his reputation. Indeed, it's understood the 27-year-old was irked at being singled out so regularly last season for his poor form, especially considering he was just one of many to have been adversely affected by events both on and off the field during a traumatic time for Liverpool. But that in itself was something of a back-handed compliment for the Argentine, whose level was impressive during his first two seasons at Liverpool since arriving for a bargain £35million from Brighton. It was no accident Mac Allister scored the go-ahead goal against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2025 that effectively secured the Reds their record-equalling 20th championship. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page Had Liverpool cashed in on Mac Allister during the summer, few supporters will have grumbled. But it says much about the midfielder's character that he turned down opportunities to leave this summer. Either he wanted to stay and fight for his place, or the offers weren't at a level matching that of Liverpool. Clearly, this is a player who believes he should still be operating at the top tier. Speaking during his surprisingly emotional press conference ahead of the Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago, Mac Allister was adamant he had nothing to prove despite being upset the club hadn't deemed him yet worthy of a new contract unlike fellow midfielders Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. There was, though, an acceptance he had been way off his best last season. And Mac Allister has backed up the confidence in his own ability with actions, starting with his blistering winner against Atletico the following evening. Alisson Becker spoke after the win at Bournemouth - during which a third successive Premier League clean sheet was secured - about how the midfield had offered good protection for the backline, something that wasn't always the case last term. And Mac Allister's position was such that he remained predominantly in front of the two centre-backs and notably deeper than Szoboszlai. Rather than a deep two, the responsibility was on Mac Allister to provide the greater defensive security. It is likely to be an approach Liverpool continue to use, particularly away from home. Now Iraola will be hoping Mac Allister emerges unscathed from international duty with Argentina playing three home friendlies. After that, the challenge will be for the player to maintain his form as the schedule and rotation ramps up. He may not be the new signing many Liverpool fans and observers craved during the summer. Mac Allister, however, is the midfielder the Reds need right now. Get the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo! Yours in just two simple steps.