Paul Merson has given a glowing verdict of new Liverpool signing Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine completed his move to the Reds from Brighton last month, claiming the number 10 shirt. It capped an incredibly successful season for Mac Allister, who helped the Seagulls qualify for European football and was part of the Argentina side that won the World Cup.
Liverpool have been quick to address their midfield department in the transfer market, following a disappointing campaign, and have since added Dominik Szoboszlai to the squad. Merson believes the arrival of Mac Allister will be a major boost to Jurgan Klopp’s side but has warned that Liverpool’s midfield problems remain unsolved.
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“I'm a big fan of Alexis Mac Allister, he's very simple and effective. He's not got major legs and isn't the strongest midfielder you'll see, but he'll keep things ticking for Liverpool in the centre of the park and play a big role in their build-up play,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
“However, Liverpool are crying out for legs in midfield - we saw what happened to them last season. The likes of Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are at the fag end of their careers, so they need a lot more than just Mac Allister to become a force to be reckoned with once again.
“I haven't seen enough of Dominik Szoboszlai to pass a judgement, but if you're a Liverpool fan, you'd be hoping he has the legs and the engine to give them what they missed dearly last season.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold was drafted into midfield towards the end of last season as Liverpool made a late charge for a Champions League spot. However, Merson believes shifting Alexander-Arnold from right-back is not a long-term solution.
“Mac Allister flourished at Brighton with someone like Moises Caicedo next to him, with the Ecuador international's engine and defensive acumen acting as the perfect foil to his skillset,” Merson continued. “He's an absolute bargain for £35 million, but I still think Liverpool need more midfield reinforcements.
“I've said for the longest time that Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best passer in English football, but I was actually shocked by the amount of adulation he got for his performance for England on international duty. They played against Malta and North Macedonia, c'mon.
“He has been deployed in midfield recently by Gareth Southgate and Jurgen Klopp, but I still think he will play as a right-back next season.”
