Alexis Mac Allister praised for his influence in the Liverpool dressing room – ‘Above all others’

Liverpool’s Player of the Season contest might not be particularly fierce this year, but aside from Mohamed Salah, several names deserve recognition. Among them, Alexis Mac Allister stands out, particularly for the leadership qualities he’s shown.

During his first season under Jurgen Klopp, Mac Allister proved to be a bargain, excelling in the role of a lone number six — to the point that few wanted to see him moved. However, Arne Slot has reshaped the midfield dynamic by positioning Ryan Gravenberch as a deeper-lying player, giving Mac Allister more liberty to push forward. While his goal and assist numbers are slightly behind last season’s Premier League totals, his overall impact on the game remains exceptional, as demonstrated once again in the recent victory over West Ham.

In that match, Mac Allister pressed Lucas Paqueta into losing possession in a dangerous area, a moment that was correctly allowed to play out by referee Andy Madley — a refreshing change from the usual soft fouls often called in those situations. Mac Allister then took charge, firing a shot that led to a corner, which he delivered for Virgil van Dijk to score from.

John Aldridge highlighted Mac Allister’s relentless desire to win in his piece for the ECHO, saying the midfielder refused to accept anything less than victory. His intensity was evident again after the previous week’s loss to Fulham, where he was visibly emotional at the final whistle. That kind of passion resonates deeply with Liverpool fans — especially when it comes from someone as technically gifted as he is.

As a World Cup winner, Mac Allister’s drive and high standards draw comparisons to Salah. He continuously pushes for excellence and inspires those around him.

While Salah is likely to receive the bulk of the acclaim when Liverpool secures the title — which seems increasingly inevitable — Mac Allister is making a strong case as the team’s standout performer behind the Egyptian star. His consistent performances and invaluable presence make him one of the most underappreciated assets in Slot’s squad.