There is a growing feeling among sections of the fanbase that Alexis Mac Allister should be taken out of the starting lineup before the situation worsens any further.
Since his arrival at Liverpool in 2023, the Argentine midfielder has been a consistent presence in the team, regularly featuring in the starting XI and playing an important role in the club’s midfield structure. For much of his time at Anfield, he was widely regarded as one of the side’s most reliable and technically gifted players.
However, during the current 2025–26 season, his performances have noticeably declined, raising concerns about his form and overall impact on the team.
What once looked like a composed and intelligent midfielder dictating play has, at times, turned into a player struggling to keep up with the pace and intensity of matches.
Observers have pointed out that he appears less mobile on the pitch, often failing to cover ground effectively or react quickly enough in key moments. Even when he does get involved in play, it has frequently resulted in misplaced passes or unnecessary turnovers, which disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.
One of the most telling moments highlighting his struggles came during Liverpool’s recent defeat, where a costly error played a significant role in conceding a decisive goal.
A poorly executed clearance from Mac Allister allowed Kobbie Mainoo to capitalize on the loose ball just outside the penalty area. Mainoo then struck a powerful shot into the net, punishing Liverpool for the mistake.
While it would be unfair to place the entire blame for the defeat on one player, that moment has become symbolic of the issues surrounding Mac Allister’s recent form.
Following the incident, Aadam Patel shared his reaction, expressing disbelief at the nature of the mistake. He acknowledged the quality of Mainoo’s finish but emphasized that the situation should never have arisen in the first place.
In his view, Mac Allister had a clear opportunity to deal with the danger but failed to do so, ultimately contributing to another avoidable goal conceded by Liverpool.
Beyond isolated errors, there is also a broader concern about how the team performs when Mac Allister is included compared to when other midfielders are given a chance. Some fans and analysts believe that Liverpool tend to look more dynamic and balanced when alternative options are selected in midfield.
This has led to questions about whether Arne Slot should reconsider his current selections and make adjustments to better suit the team’s needs.
Despite the mounting criticism, Mac Allister continues to be chosen regularly, which has led to suggestions that Slot may have a degree of loyalty toward certain players.
While consistency in selection can be beneficial, there is a growing argument that form should take precedence, particularly when the team is striving to compete at the highest level.
If Liverpool are serious about challenging for major trophies again, difficult decisions may need to be made regarding underperforming players.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, some believe that Liverpool should consider moving on from Mac Allister altogether. His dip in form has likely affected his market value, especially when compared to how highly he was rated just a year ago.
During the previous summer, he could have commanded a fee in the region of £70–80 million based on his performances and reputation. Now, after a disappointing campaign, it is suggested that the club might struggle to receive even £40 million for him.
There has been long-standing interest from Real Madrid, and with Liverpool continually being linked to new midfield targets, this could be an opportune moment to consider a sale. Offloading Mac Allister could provide funds to reinvest in the squad, allowing the club to strengthen areas that need improvement.
Additionally, there is the possibility of using him as part of a deal to pursue high-profile midfielders such as Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom have been linked with potential moves away from the Bernabéu.
Ultimately, any decision will depend on the offers that arrive and how Liverpool evaluate their long-term plans. If a suitable bid comes in, it may be difficult to ignore, particularly given the need to refresh the squad. For now, though, the immediate focus should perhaps be on team selection.
Dropping Mac Allister from the starting lineup, even temporarily, could allow him time to regain form while giving others the opportunity to step up.
Making such a change could also send a clear message that performances matter and that no player’s place in the team is guaranteed. At the very least, adjusting the lineup to better suit the strengths of the available players would represent a step toward improving results and restoring balance within the team.
