Mac Allister clarifies preferred Liverpool role amid Real Madrid transfer speculation
Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, has discussed his preferred role on the pitch as speculation continues regarding his long-term future at the club. Mac Allister indicated a preference for playing as part of a double defensive pivot, stating that he believes this position suits him best.
Currently with Argentina for the World Cup in North America, Mac Allister is preparing for a round of 32 match against Cape Verde. The midfielder was among several players who experienced an underwhelming season with Liverpool, which concluded with Arne Slot being replaced by Andoni Iraola as head coach.
Mac Allister, who has two years remaining on his current contract and has not yet been offered a new deal by Liverpool, has been linked with a potential move away from the club this summer. Real Madrid had been considered potential suitors for the player.
Transfer Speculation and Role Preference
The situation concerning Real Madrid’s interest reportedly shifted after Jose Mourinho took over as manager at the Bernabeu earlier this month. This change saw Bernardo Silva arrive from Manchester City on a free transfer, and Real Madrid is also exploring a significant move for Mac Allister’s international teammate, Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
Last season, Mac Allister featured in all but two games for Liverpool, playing in various midfield roles. This differed from the previous campaign where he often occupied a number six position alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
When asked about his preferred playing position, Mac Allister explained his evolution as a player. He mentioned that he started as a number 10 in Argentina, often playing in a 4-3-1-2 diamond formation. Upon moving to England, he found playing as a 10 more challenging and subsequently moved deeper to an eight role.
Mac Allister expressed his desire to contribute wherever possible, stating, “I like to do a bit of everything and try to help the team wherever I can.” He further elaborated, “I like to be close to the ball, and I feel like to be close to the ball. Maybe the position as a double six is my best position. But I can play everywhere.”
Some reports suggest that Real Madrid could target Mac Allister if they are able to offload some of their current midfielders. However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that while Real Madrid admires Mac Allister, they currently have an abundance of midfielders, which could hinder a move.
Performance and Future Outlook
Despite his contributions, Mac Allister faced criticism from some Liverpool fans and pundits. Some have expressed a desire for him to be sold, even though he joined the club for £35m three years ago from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mac Allister was considered a standout midfielder in the 2024-25 season, a campaign in which Liverpool secured the Premier League title. His creativity and tenacity were highlighted as significant assets. However, he sustained an injury towards the end of that campaign, which led to him missing a substantial part of pre-season in 2025 and contributed to a difficult start in 2025-26.
Concerns have been raised regarding a potential decline in the midfielder’s mobility and fitness. With his current contract having two years left, a sale might be considered to be in the club’s best interest by some.
Mac Allister also shared his admiration for other midfielders, naming Barcelona’s Pedri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and Joao Neves as players he currently favours. He praised their high level of play, both on and off the ball, noting their intelligence and physical attributes.
While Mac Allister’s short-term future at Liverpool is reportedly more uncertain than that of his midfield partner Ryan Gravenberch, the latter is expected to face increased scrutiny if he experiences another challenging campaign in 2026-27.
Andoni Iraola is preparing for his first Premier League game as Liverpool boss against Newcastle United in late August.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk