DOMINIC KING: Klopp needs Mac Allister's goals, guile and invention
DOMINIC KING: Jurgen Klopp needs Alexis Mac Allister’s goals, guile and invention as his Liverpool side have lost their ability to surprise… the signing of the Brighton midfielder will give their rivals fresh headaches and big problems
- Alexis Mac Allister caught the eye in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in January
- The Argentine World Cup winner could have had the pick of Europe’s top sides
- Jurgen Klopp wants his Liverpool side to take their opponents by surprise
Two days after one of the season’s darkest days and Jurgen Klopp was prowling around Liverpool’s training base, his appetite for change evident to all.
It was January 16 and Liverpool’s manager couldn’t fathom how his team had collapsed at Brighton, a 3-0 loss left him feeling numb.
None of the qualities he expects from his players were apparent but Klopp had certainly seen enough from a man in blue-and-white to start pressing ahead with a plan.
Klopp was well aware of Alexis Mac Allister’s quality before that January 14 fixture at the Amex Stadium, having marvelled at him during Argentina’s World Cup campaign, but nothing can beat turning it on in front of the German to stiffen his mind.
Sadio Mane, as an example, left Klopp adamant he had to swoop after a thrilling display helped Southampton come from behind to beat Liverpool 3-2 at St Mary’s in March 2016; at the same venue in January 2017, Virgil van Dijk was colossal in repelling Liverpool during an EFL Cup semi-final.
Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is closing in on a move to Liverpool
Mac Allister caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp after Brighton’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in January
Mac Allister ticks all of the boxes for Klopp as he looks to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield
So while Mac Allister didn’t score that afternoon, 48 hours later he was already in Klopp’s mind about how he could fit into a team that, in his words, had lost its ability to surprise. With goals, invention, guile and energy, the 24-year-old ticked every box to be a Liverpool target.
What makes him a little different to Mane and Van Dijk, however, is that Mac Allister’s light has not been hid under a bushel. The first two arrived on Merseyside with something to prove, with many wondering whether they really could step up to that level, but this won’t be the case now.
When you have played so commandingly in a World Cup final as Mac Allister has done – reacquaint yourself with the vision he showed to set up Angel Di Maria’s goal against France – nobody looking in will be prepared to be patient, particularly with a transfer fee that will be north of £60million.
Outside noise, though, won’t bother Klopp in the slightest. He made it clear – going as far back as January – that Liverpool couldn’t afford to be in a position where they were playing catch up at the start of another season and getting this business done now feels significant.
Liverpool’s best years under Klopp have been hallmarked by important early transfers (Mane in 2016, Mohamed Salah in 2017, Fabinho in 2018 are three that readily spring to mind) and it was crucial they put down a marker early on.
Mac Allister could have had his pick of Europe’s top clubs – Real Madrid and Barcelona were highlighted as potential destinations after success in Doha, Manchester United would have loved to have taken him from the South Coast – but Liverpool would not let this deal slip away.
Mason Mount, the Chelsea midfielder, was a high-class alternative and the attraction of a switch to Merseyside was something that certainly had him interested but with Mac Allister the priority, United saw an opportunity to throw all they had at the England international.
Klopp needs Mac Allister for the goals, guile and invention that he brings to the midfield
The Argentine World Cup winner had the pick of top European teams but wanted to join Liverpool
The addition of Mac Allister will suit Liverpool who have lost their ability to surprise opponents
Crucially, Mac Allister wants to join Liverpool. Whether he has sought advice from Javier Mascherano, the now Argentina Under-20 head coach who was once revered on The Kop, remains to be seen but there is little doubt he can see a manager in Klopp who will unlock more improvement from him.
He played in 40 of Brighton’s 46 matches last season – a remarkable effort given he had been at the World Cup – and chipped in with 12 goals and three assists as he helped them qualify for Europe; he takes free-kicks, has the composure to take penalties and runs all day.
His build and style evokes comparison with another Liverpool stalwart in Gini Wijnaldum – another who produced a superb audition in front of Klopp when starring (and scoring) in a 2-0 Newcastle win in December 2015 – and if Mac Allister can emulate the Dutchman, he will be a major figure.
And this, you can be sure, is something Klopp will be counting on. He wants Liverpool to take their opponents by surprise next season, give them fresh headaches and big problems. The stage will be there for Mac Allister to shine.
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