Alexis Mac Allister thrives in role Arne Slot has never played him at Liverpool for Argentina

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Alexis Mac Allister rediscovered his best form for Argentina in a role that he has never played before for Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has suffered with fitness issues throughout the opening weeks of the campaign and has largely struggled to perform in the new-look side.

He has started the majority of the Reds’ fixtures heading into the October international break, but it has become apparent that the midfielder is not yet at full match fitness after missing almost the entirety of pre-season.

As widely speculated, the midfield has become a problem for Arne Slot because his summer arrivals have left the side somewhat unbalanced.

With the Reds heading into a pivotal clash against Manchester United off the back of three straight defeats in all competitions, there is hope that Mac Allister will soon rediscover his best form after his latest efforts on international duty.

Alexis Mac Allister scores a brace for Argentina playing on the wing

Argentina recorded a resounding 6-0 win against Puerto Rico on Wednesday, with Mac Allister scoring a brace.

Interestingly, Lionel Scaloni selected Mac Allister to play on the left flank in a traditional 4-4-2 setup with Giovanni Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul operating in central midfield.

Hugo Ekitike shone in a similar formation for France as the Reds forward lined up alongside Kylian Mbappe to lead the line for his country during a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying.

Mac Allister has featured 104 times for Liverpool across all competitions since arriving in a £35 million deal from Brighton in 2023 and has never been selected outside the central positions.

He is, of course, most suited to central midfield, with Steven Gerrard naming Mac Allister one of the best midfield players in world football alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and Rodri.

However, Mac Allister has played left midfield 22 times throughout his career, recording five goals and one assist. He has also been tasked with playing left wing on three occasions, scoring once.

Although the Argentine may not be the ideal profile to play on the flanks in the Premier League, he boasts a respectable track record, and his versatility opens the door for tactical tweaks.

Arne Slot could experiment with a 4-4-2 formation at Liverpool

With two of his main starters thriving in the same formation for their respective countries, perhaps it is time for Slot to consider a major tactical tweak.

His usual system has not produced the same results as last season, largely due to the attacking-minded approach the boss has taken in matches thus far.

He has switched to two strikers leading the line when Liverpool have been chasing a goal, which has predominantly delivered results, but overall, the side has been far too defensively susceptible.

A 4-4-2 system could allow the Reds to regain defensive stability with Ryan Gravenberch and another midfielder protecting the defence, while not sacrificing their attacking prowess.

Salah also dazzled in a new position during the international break, and with so many first-team stars capable of playing multiple roles, a change in formation could be what Liverpool need to overturn their fortunes.