Alexis Mac Allister revives best form under Andoni Iraola

Alexis Mac Allister’s 2025/26 campaign began as a disappointment, with fans questioning his output after the Premier League triumph. Yet, under Andoni Iraola he has rediscovered his best form, becoming a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s midfield as the new season unfolds.

Season doubts and contract talks

After helping Liverpool to the Premier League title the previous year, his performances led some supporters to wonder whether Mac Allister had lost his legs or if deeper issues lay beneath his struggles. He voiced disappointment at not receiving a contract extension while teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai secured new deals, prompting speculation about his future at the club.

His pre‑season was unusually quiet, featuring just 54 minutes in a behind‑closed‑doors 0‑0 draw against Como. Despite the limited minutes, the midfielder entered the campaign with the weight of a World Cup final on his shoulders, having played every minute for Argentina as they reached the tournament’s climax.

Statistical resurgence under Iraola

Mac Allister has featured in all four Premier League matches so far, as well as in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, signalling the manager’s confidence in his abilities. Against Newcastle he entered for 28 minutes, completed ten of eleven passes and won a tackle, helping to stabilise a chaotic midfield.

He started the Nottingham Forest game, playing 77 minutes, completing 48 of 51 passes – a 94 percent accuracy – and making three tackles. A week later versus Ipswich he completed 34 of 39 passes and again recorded three tackles, underscoring his consistency on both sides of the ball.

In the high‑profile clash with Atletico Madrid he scored the match‑winner while maintaining an 89 percent pass‑completion rate. He later came off the bench against Fulham, completing 18 of 20 passes, and in the Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham he contributed both a goal and an assist, highlighting his impact in cup competitions.

World Cup catalyst and future outlook

The World Cup campaign appears to have been a catalyst for his revival; after a full tournament that saw Argentina reach the final, Mac Allister returned to Anfield with renewed confidence and a sharper edge. His all‑round contributions – linking play, pressing aggressively and winning the ball back – have made him a key component of Iraola’s midfield philosophy.

The lingering question now is whether Liverpool’s hierarchy will reward his resurgence with a new contract, as they have done for other midfielders, or explore alternative options. His performances have already given the club’s decision‑makers something of a headache, as they weigh his renewed form against broader squad planning.