Alexis Mac Allister's performance for Liverpool against Manchester United on May 5, 2026, was a concern, with his physicality a problem.
What happened?
He made a trio of relatively minor errors that were all punished, including turning his back on Matheus Cunha's shot for United's opening goal.
The Argentina international was also at fault for the second goal, with a slack pass eventually resulting in Benjamin Sesko forcing the ball home via his hand.
A mishit clearance that was seized upon for Kobbie Mainoo's winner capped off a poor performance.
Why it matters for Alexis Mac Allister
His physical levels appear to have dipped alarmingly, with his average speed and top speed both down on each of the previous two seasons.
The pressing, which was a feature of his game, has dropped off too, and it's unclear if this is due to Arne Slot's tactical preferences or Mac Allister's own struggles.
What comes next?
Mac Allister has already started more games for Liverpool this season than in either of the previous two campaigns, and a break could reinvigorate him, but this is unlikely in a World Cup year.
The club must reconsider the midfield area, with the trio of Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai initially a triumph for Slot but since exposed, particularly in the case of Mac Allister at Old Trafford.
On May 5, 2026, Jamie Carragher said that Liverpool lack the physicality to cope with the Premier League, and Mac Allister's performance was a prime example of this.
Mac Allister is 27 and still has time to rise again in a red shirt, but for now, he is struggling, and his physicality is a major concern.
The defeat to Manchester United was a 3-2 loss, with Mac Allister's errors costing Liverpool dearly.
Arne Slot's tactics have been questioned, with Mac Allister deployed in a deeper role, leaving Bruno Fernandes in space to spring the counter-attack.
Mac Allister's form is a concern, and he must find a way to regain his physicality and pressing ability if he is to succeed for Liverpool.