Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola remains determined to keep Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield despite speculation linking the Argentine midfielder with a move away this summer.
Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister, speaking exclusively, believes the World Cup runner-up still has everything needed to become one of the Reds’ most influential players during the 2026-27 campaign.
Although Mac Allister endured an inconsistent club season, his performances for Argentina reminded everyone why Liverpool continue to value him so highly.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Club | Liverpool |
| Player | Alexis Mac Allister |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Manager | Andoni Iraola |
| Contract | Two Years Remaining |
| World Cup | Argentina Runner-up (2026) |
Why Iraola Wants to Keep Mac Allister
According to Gary McAllister, there are three major reasons why Iraola views Mac Allister as a key part of Liverpool’s future.
1. Goal Contribution
Mac Allister offers far more than simple ball retention.
He can:
- Score important goals
- Create chances
- Deliver decisive final passes
- Support attacks from midfield
His ability to influence matches in multiple ways makes him one of Liverpool’s most complete midfielders.
2. Box-to-Box Energy
Modern midfielders are expected to contribute in every phase of play.
Mac Allister’s strengths include:
- Breaking opposition lines
- Supporting defensive transitions
- Carrying the ball forward
- Arriving late inside the penalty area
- Pressing aggressively
These qualities fit perfectly with Iraola’s high-intensity tactical approach.
3. World Cup Confidence
While his club form dipped during the 2025-26 campaign, Mac Allister enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup.
World Cup Summary
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 7 |
| Team Finish | Runner-up |
| Overall Impact | One of Argentina’s standout performers |
His international displays showed that he remains capable of performing at the highest level when fully fit.
Why Did His Liverpool Form Decline?
Gary McAllister believes injuries played the biggest role.
According to the former Reds midfielder:
- Mac Allister carried fitness problems throughout pre-season.
- He never reached peak physical condition.
- His season became inconsistent because he was constantly managing injuries.
Without a full pre-season, maintaining rhythm throughout a demanding campaign becomes significantly more difficult.
2025-26 Season Statistics
| Competition | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Overall Season | Mixed |
Although those numbers remain respectable, many supporters expected greater consistency from one of Liverpool’s key midfielders.
Mac Allister’s Strengths
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Passing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vision | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Work Rate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tactical Intelligence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shooting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Defensive Contribution | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
His balanced skill set allows him to operate effectively in both attacking and defensive phases.
When Will Mac Allister Return?
Players involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final are entitled to a mandatory summer break before returning to club duty.
Expected Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| World Cup Final | July 19, 2026 |
| Earliest Return | August 9, 2026 |
| Likely First Friendly | Liverpool vs Como |
| Premier League Opener | August 23 vs Newcastle United |
Because of his extended international commitments, Mac Allister is expected to miss most of Liverpool’s pre-season preparations.
How He Fits Iraola’s System
Iraola’s football relies on energetic midfielders capable of pressing, recovering possession, and quickly launching attacks.
Mac Allister naturally suits that philosophy thanks to his:
- High football IQ
- Technical quality
- Passing range
- Press resistance
- Ability to support both defense and attack
If fully fit, he could become one of the central figures in Liverpool’s midfield under the new manager.
Possible Liverpool Midfield
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Defensive Midfield | Ryan Gravenberch |
| Central Midfield | Alexis Mac Allister |
| Attacking Midfield | Dominik Szoboszlai |
This combination offers a blend of defensive stability, creativity, and forward-running ability.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Manager’s Decision | Iraola wants to keep Mac Allister |
| Main Reasons | Goals, creativity, box-to-box ability |
| Biggest Issue Last Season | Injuries and lack of fitness |
| World Cup Impact | Restored confidence |
| Contract Situation | Two years remaining |
Final Verdict
Alexis Mac Allister’s difficult 2025-26 campaign should not overshadow his overall quality. Injuries and a disrupted pre-season appear to have limited his performances at Liverpool, yet his outstanding displays for Argentina at the World Cup demonstrated that he remains an elite midfielder when fully fit.
For Andoni Iraola, retaining Mac Allister makes perfect sense. His ability to score, create, press, and cover ground from box to box aligns with the manager’s tactical demands, while his experience and technical quality could make him one of Liverpool’s most important players as the club begins a new era under fresh leadership.
