Thanks to his decisive double against Villarreal, Mac Allister already has four goals to his name under Iraola – just one fewer than he managed across the entirety of Slot’s final season in charge. The improvement in Mac Allister’s play, and the positive change in his demeanour, isn’t really rooted in goals, though. It’s more about the influence he’s having over the flow of games.
For example, in Saturday’s morale-boosting win at previously unbeaten Brentford, Mac Allister was immense. He may not have scored, but he was utterly integral to Liverpool turning a 1-0 deficit into a vital 2-1 victory with his drive, pressing and progressive passing.
Obviously, the comeback against Villarreal wouldn’t have been completed without his goals but, again, Mac Allister benefitted from Iraola’s in-game tactical tweaks. Liverpool had started the match on Merseyside horrendously and deservedly found themselves 2-0 down inside half an hour, prompting a rapid rethink from the Reds boss.
“Trey (Nyoni) was a little bit deeper and I dropped to the middle to make a three-plus-one to keep more possession, because we were in a rush and we were not playing well,” Mac Alllister explained. “I think the last 10, 15 minutes of the first half was much better already.”
Tellingly, Mac Allister also admitted that while he enjoyed Slot’s zonal marking, he feels that Iraola’s one-v-one approach is now working well for Liverpool: “You communicate less, because you’re just following your man. So, it’s about us taking the responsibility and it’s one of the changes [to last year]. Now it’s easier, you think less, but maybe run more!”
Not every player has adapted so quickly to Iraola’s demands. Gravenberch, for example, is still struggling, and was moved to right-back against Villarreal, while there are ongoing doubts over whether Szoboszlai’s skills are really suited to playing in a midfield pivot.
Consequently, Mac Allister has once again become a certain starter. Evidently, Iraola’s intensive style of play was just what he needed to revitalise his Liverpool career, given it often appeared as if he was running on empty last season – which is why the club’s reluctance to give him a new contract made sense.
Mac Allister’s disappointment was, of course, understandable, but the fantastic thing for Liverpool is that he has responded in the best possible fashion. Indeed, in his very first match after going public with his frustration, he capped a typically tenacious display against Atletico with a goal, and received a very pointed message from club legend Steven Gerrard as a result.
“Let your football do the talking,” the iconic midfielder said during his appearance on TNT Sports. “Consistency, top performance, show your experience. Show you’re an elite international. This club will reward you.” And sooner rather than later, if Mac Allister maintains his current level of importance to Iraola’s Reds.