Jurgen Klopp has refuted claims he does not let Alexis Mac Allister play in his ‘natural position’ for Liverpool.
Mac Allister joined the Reds last summer after several successful years at Brighton, during which time he also won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
The midfielder is well-regarded for his energy, creativity and prowess in front of goal, finding the back of the net 12 times in his final season for the Seagulls.
He has continued his great form since his £35million transfer, with his efforts helping Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table.
However, question marks have been raised over whether or not Klopp is getting the best out of the 25-year-old, who has only scored twice for his new club.
It is argued that the manager is playing Mac Allister too deep in the Reds midfield in order to allow the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai to push further up the pitch.
Due to recent injuries, he has been moved forward in recent games, with Wataru Endo deployed as a six, but Klopp has dismissed the suggestion that he’s finally allowing Mac Allister to play in his preferred role.
‘I am not sure what the natural position is for players who can really play football,’ the manager said in his pre-match conference on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Luton Town.
‘We have to get rid of these clear structures of who is where. Attackers have to defend and defenders have to attack, that is the easiest way I can put it.
‘Alexis is very important to us, he always has been. He has never said he wants to play higher or things like this.
‘We don’t restrict players, everyone who is not directly involved has to protect, that is how we understand football. Ask him in five years what his best position is and you might be surprised.’
With Jones, Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai all sidelined with injury, Mac Allister will likely continue in a more advanced role as Liverpool look to extend their lead at the top of the table, and also for when they face Chelsea in this Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
