Key Points
- According to a column written by Karl at The Anfield Wrap, Alexis Mac Allister has been on the comeback trail for Liverpool after being poor in his previous season.
- The column claims that Mac Allister “was a revelation” initially during the season, as he forced play and set the pace of Liverpool’s midfield.
- The author reminds us that Mac Allister was extremely dominant throughout the latter part of Arne Slot’s first season, including being involved in the scoring of a goal against Tottenham in what the author says effectively ensured the title.
- The author claims that Mac Allister looked tired and not himself in the subsequent season, having issues with running, passing, and tackling.
- Other topics covered include Florian Wirtz’s slow start, improved status of Cody Gakpo, Liverpool’s perfect away record and inability to win any game at home this season.
- Finally, it is pointed out that form is temporary and Mac Allister could be an inspiration for Wirtz.
Liverpool Sports (Liverpool standard) October 20, 2026 – In a piece titled “Alexis Mac Allister & The Shifting Narratives Around Anfield”, The Anfield Wrap writer Karl argues that football opinion is often shaped by the most recent matches, with earlier evidence too easily ignored. He uses Mac Allister’s journey from criticism to renewed influence as the central example.
As reported by Karl of The Anfield Wrap, Mac Allister has been “a revelation” this season, returning to his best by “forcing the play and setting the tempo” in what the writer describes as Liverpool’s most problematic area of the pitch.
Why has Alexis Mac Allister’s form changed?
The column traces Mac Allister’s recent revival back to the end of Arne Slot’s first season in charge. Karl writes that, during that period, the Argentina international was “absolutely unplayable”, a regular starter who repeatedly delivered strong performances alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
According to the article, the two midfielders frequently shared Man of the Match recognition, before Mac Allister scored against Tottenham in a game the writer says “more or less wrapped up the title”. Karl describes that spell as the best he has seen from the Argentine.
However, the same column says Mac Allister’s form declined sharply in the following campaign. Karl writes that the midfielder “couldn’t run, pass or challenge”, appeared exhausted and struggled with basic passes, despite remaining a first-choice player.
The writer adds that Mac Allister’s involvement with Argentina at the World Cup, where he reached the final, did little to ease concerns among Liverpool supporters. Karl says he believed the midfielder should have been preserving energy for Liverpool, and expected him to return “even more tired” for the start of the Andoni Iraola era.
What does the column say about Liverpool’s season?
The article places Mac Allister’s improvement within a wider discussion of Liverpool’s uneven start to the season. Karl notes that Liverpool are unbeaten away from home but have yet to win a league match at Anfield this season, a contrast he describes as unusual.
He writes that he expects the home form to “right itself soon”, while also acknowledging that Liverpool’s season remains difficult to assess at this stage.
The column also refers to Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions. Karl writes that he wants the club to win the competition, adding: “You never know.”
How does Mac Allister compare with Florian Wirtz?
A significant part of the article compares Mac Allister’s recovery with Florian Wirtz’s struggles since joining Liverpool. Karl describes Wirtz as a “prime example” of a player whose form has not matched expectations, despite glimpses of his ability.
The writer says Wirtz has “failed to deliver” overall, but notes that the German has been “fine in the last two games”. He describes those displays as “small steps” and argues that Wirtz remains a world-class player despite his difficulties.
Karl draws a direct link between the two midfielders, writing: “If Macca can come back from that season, then so can Wirtz. Hopefully.”
The column also questions whether players should be judged on recent matches alone. Karl writes that opinions can become entrenched, but suggests Mac Allister’s return to form shows why early judgements should be treated carefully.
What is said about Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola?
The article extends its argument beyond midfield. Karl says he would have sold Cody Gakpo last season, but now says he “can’t wait” for the forward to return, using that change of view as another example of how quickly player assessments can move.
He also refers to Bradley Barcola, saying the player has already been written off in some quarters before properly settling in. Karl acknowledges a hat-trick in Austria but notes that a missed one-on-one chance in London days later led to criticism.
The writer suggests that an overreliance on statistics may contribute to rushed judgements, arguing that a player can have a good game without recording strong numbers. He nevertheless adds of Barcola: “He should have scored, mind.”
Background of the development
Mac Allister joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion and became an important part of the club’s midfield under Jürgen Klopp, before continuing under Arne Slot. The Anfield Wrap column presents his strongest recent period as coming at the end of Slot’s first season, when Liverpool won the Premier League title.
The article says Mac Allister’s subsequent dip coincided with a demanding period that included international duty with Argentina, who reached the World Cup final. Karl’s argument is that fatigue, rather than a permanent decline in ability, may have contributed to the midfielder’s poorer displays.
The column was published amid discussion of Liverpool’s transition under Andoni Iraola, with the writer referring to the “start of the Andoni Iraola age”. It also reflects broader debate among supporters about new signings, including Wirtz, and about how quickly players should be expected to adapt.
Prediction: what could this mean for Liverpool fans?
For Liverpool supporters, Mac Allister’s improved form could reduce pressure on the midfield and give the team greater control in build-up play. If he continues to dictate tempo and force play forward, as described by The Anfield Wrap, Liverpool may be better placed to translate their unbeaten away record into consistent results at Anfield.
The development could also affect expectations around Florian Wirtz. If supporters and commentators accept that Mac Allister could recover from a difficult spell, there may be more patience for Wirtz as he adapts to English football and seeks consistency.
For the wider Liverpool squad, the article’s central message is that early-season narratives may not define a campaign. If Mac Allister maintains his current level, his revival could become a reference point for other players seeking to answer criticism through performances rather than immediate results.
