The honeymoon period at Anfield appears to be concluding with a rather abrupt thud. New manager Arne Slot, initially lauded for seamlessly transitioning Liverpool from the Jürgen Klopp era into a new phase that unexpectedly secured the Premier League title, now faces a stark reality. Despite significant summer investments, the once finely-tuned Red machine has sputtered, displaying a distinct lack of control and coherence in the nascent stages of the new season. Two consecutive defeats serve as an undeniable testament to this tactical imbalance, demanding immediate and decisive action.
The Usual Suspects: Wirtz and Konaté Under the Microscope
Naturally, eyes turn to the most visible areas of concern. Florian Wirtz, the prodigious German playmaker acquired from Bayer Leverkusen for a princely £116m, arrived with the weight of “world-class talent” expectations. While he did manage a neat assist early on, his subsequent nine goalless appearances across all competitions have left many yearning for the game-changing quality he promises. One could argue he’s still finding his feet, a luxury afforded to many big-money signings, especially those in attacking roles where flashes of brilliance, like his 21 chances created this season, offer a glimpse of future potential.
Then there`s Ibrahima Konaté, the French centre-back whose contract situation looms as large as his physical presence. His campaign has been marred by uncharacteristic errors, a worrying trend given the long-term injury to Giovanni Leoni. With Real Madrid reportedly circling, the defensive stability that relies so heavily on Liverpool’s starting partnership is under considerable strain. Mohamed Salah, too, has endured a quieter start, though for a player of his calibre, a “quiet start” often means merely a handful of match-winning contributions rather than a complete absence. These are challenges Slot anticipated, perhaps, but another, more subtle issue has emerged, threatening the very core of his midfield.
The Unexpected Dip: Alexis Mac Allister’s Quiet Struggle
Amidst the more conspicuous struggles, a `superstar,` once lauded by pundits like Joe Cole, finds himself in an unenviable position. Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine World Cup winner, was a revelation since his £35m move from Brighton in 2023. His versatility and influence in the midfield, playing various demanding roles, made him an indispensable cog in the Liverpool machine. He was the silent architect, the tireless runner, the ball-winning maestro who seamlessly transitioned play from defence to attack.
However, the 26-year-old’s current season tells a different story. His customary energy and incisiveness have been conspicuously absent. The hunger to win back possession, the fluid progression of play into the final third – these hallmarks of his game have diminished. While Wirtz and Konaté at least offer moments of individual brilliance or are grappling with external pressures, Mac Allister`s current form is a silent alarm. The statistics, too, paint a clear picture of his struggles:
| Mac Allister in the PL under Slot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
| Matches (starts) | 35 (30) | 5 (5) |
| Goals | 5 | 0 |
| Assists | 5 | 0 |
| Touches* | 55.8 | 48.4 |
| Pass completion | 87% | 87% |
| Key passes* | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Dribbles* | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 3.3 | 1.8 |
| Ground duels (won)* | 4.3 (50%) | 1.8 (43%) |
| Comparative data highlights a clear drop in impactful contributions. | ||
This decline isn`t merely academic; it`s profoundly impacting Liverpool`s midfield dynamism. He`s neither adequately protecting the defence nor effectively carving out chances with his usually precise passing. In a team striving for “control and coherence,” the engine room’s central figure operating below par is a critical vulnerability. The irony is not lost: a player once deemed a “superstar” by many is now, statistically and influentially, struggling more profoundly than his more conspicuously underperforming teammates.
A Difficult Decision for Slot
The narrative has shifted from celebrating a seamless transition to scrutinizing tactical choices. The call to action is clear: Slot needs to address the midfield malaise. The suggestion to bench a World Cup winner, particularly one previously so integral, might seem drastic. Yet, with Curtis Jones putting in impressive, industrious shifts (such as his recent performance in Istanbul), the option for a change is not merely hypothetical; it`s a viable tactical necessity.
Ultimately, Slot’s challenge is not just about integrating new signings or managing existing talents. It`s about recognizing when even the most celebrated players lose their vital spark and having the conviction to make the tough decisions. Liverpool’s quest for glory demands every cog in the “Slot machine” to be operating at peak efficiency. The clock is ticking, and the necessary adjustments, however uncomfortable, must happen sooner rather than later.
