Summer 2023 and Jurgen Klopp decided that his engine room needed a complete reboot. Having had an impressive season at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, 23-year-old Alexis Mac Allister was top of the Reds' transfer list. Signed for a bargain fee of £35 million, he was the start of the rebuild that we have seen in midfield for Liverpool.
The Argentinian has been sensational ever since he joined the club and has transformed how the Merseyside Reds have played this season. Despite having complete freedom under De Zerbi and protection from Moises Caicedo, the Argentinian was initially deployed as a six earlier in the campaign. The 23-year-old was very impressive in the six for Jurgen Klopp but it was obvious that it did not allow for the creativity he possesses.
The World Cup winner slotted in straight away and adapted to Liverpool's high-intensity football right off the bat. Having lacked the defensive side of the game, Mac Allister was deployed as a regista and was in there to keep things ticking for Jurgen Klopp's side. However, since the form of Endo, we have seen the Argentinian move up to an eight and he hasn't looked back since.
Since the shift in position, the 23-year-old has arguably been the Reds' most influential player. He possesses fantastic tenacity and composure, as well as creativity that has not been seen in a Jurgen Klopp midfield since Phillipe Coutinho. The midfielder has been the catalyst of everything that is happening at the club and a big part of a potential treble in Jurgen Klopp's last dance.
The Argentinian could not display the numbers he previously had at Brighton in his opening six months at the club. However, his first goal in the Premier League foreshadowed the form he has hit now. His strike against Fulham was a goal-of-the-season contender.
Since the start of the calendar year, the former Brighton man has been fantastic for the Reds and his numbers are even more impressive. The Argentinian has 3.78 shot-creating actions and 6.74 progressive passes per 90. His most recent assist to Mohammed Salah against his former club was nothing short of genius as he ran the show in a man-of-the-match performance.
The midfielder has put up some impressive numbers regarding his goal contributions this season as he now has four goals and seven assists in all competitions. The Argentinian dictates the tempo on the pitch and is very effective in Jurgen Klopp's gegenpressing system.
When comparing Mac Allister to other signings, the 23-year-old is most certainly up there with the signings of the season. Declan Rice has been as revolutionary to Arsenal as Mac Allister to Liverpool. Rice has been a huge part of Arsenal's success this campaign and is most people's favourite for the signing of the season. However, a £105 million price tag attached means Mac Allister could be considered better value for money.
Many fans could not believe that the Merseyside Reds managed to sign the World Cup winner for as little as £35 million and many pundits tipped him to be the perfect Gundogan replacement for Manchester City in the summer. The Citizens opted for Mattheus Nunes and the rest as they say, is history.
The stats speak for themselves and signing of the season is based on many metrics such as stats, trophies won and place in the table. Thus far the Argentinian is beating Rice in all categories. However, the run in will really tell who will be the signing of the season, but as it stands, the 23-year-old has to be top of the pile and could be up for the player of the season award. With Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the campaign, the Argentinian will be key to any future success and is most definitely up there for signing of the season.