urgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, finds himself in a somewhat intriguing position when it comes to determining Alexis Mac Allister's ideal role within the team. As Liverpool's Ł35 million summer signing from Brighton, Mac Allister's versatility has been on display, particularly in defensive midfield due to the club's limited options in that position.
Mac Allister, who returns to face his former club Brighton this Sunday, initially impressed during pre-season while operating on the left side of Liverpool's midfield trio. However, circumstances led him to adapt to the number six role for most of the campaign, given the need for fellow summer arrival Wataru Endo to acclimate to English football after his move from Stuttgart.
Klopp openly admits, "We didn't even look for his best position yet. We just use him." He goes on to praise the Argentine midfielder, describing him as "a fantastic player" who excels both tactically and off the pitch. Klopp acknowledges Mac Allister's ability to play as a number six, especially when the team is defending well and maintaining a compact shape.
The Liverpool boss notes the improved defensive compactness compared to the previous season, allowing Mac Allister to shine in tight spaces due to his excellent tactical awareness. However, Klopp remains cautious about defining Mac Allister's absolute best position, emphasizing the player's youth and ongoing development. Nevertheless, he firmly asserts, "He is a midfielder, I can tell you that. He is a midfielder, and I am happy about having him."
Mac Allister's history with Brighton includes being part of the squad that inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Liverpool at the AMEX Stadium in January, a day Klopp deemed one of his managerial low points.
As Liverpool approaches the weekend, they find themselves in a more favorable position than they did at the start of the year, trailing Manchester City by just two points after a 19-game unbeaten run, despite a controversial loss to Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday. Meanwhile, Brighton stands one point behind Liverpool but experienced a heavy 6-1 defeat at Aston Villa before earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the Europa League against Marseille on Thursday.
With Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota suspended, Liverpool's midfield and forward options are under scrutiny, with Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Harvey Elliott vying for a spot in the lineup. Several key players, including Thiago Alcantara, Cody Gakpo, Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, and Caoimhin Kelleher, remain sidelined.
Klopp's message is clear: Liverpool must aim for improved performance, regardless of the lineup choices, to avoid the pitfalls of last season and continue their quest for success. Brighton, despite recent setbacks, remains a formidable opponent with its evolving squad
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