The summer transfer window was nothing short of transformative for the Reds, as Jurgen Klopp revolutionised his midfield in one transfer window. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Dominik Szoboszlai have seen the new era of Jurgen Klopp's "Liverpool 2.0."
However, Wataru Endo has yet to establish himself in the six position for the Merseyside Reds and Alexis Mac Allister has filled that spot so far this season. Eyebrows were raised when Jurgen Klopp deployed Mac Allister in the six this season, especially as he had just come off the back of a record ten goal season with Brighton.
The Argentinian has endured a difficult start to his life at Anfield, his start to his Liverpool career was excellent but recently the 24-year-old has shown signs of defensive deficiencies. It's fair to say that physically, the midfielder is not best suited to the six but he is extremely press resistant and that allows Jurgen Klopp's side to retain possession.
However, Liverpool have given a lot of chances up to the opposition this season, with the Argentinian being bypassed on multiple occasions. This appears to be a problem as Klopp's men have conceded the opening goal in six consecutive away Premier League games for the first time since November 2006. It’s also the first time the Reds have started a league campaign without a single clean sheet in their first seven away games since 2004-05 (conceded in each of their first nine on the road that season).
Chances have been easy to come by for the opposition and Alexis Mac Allister just doesn't possess the defensive abilities to stop teams at the moment. The 24-year-old only has 0.65 interceptions and 0.91 tackles won per 90 minutes. Compared to Rodri, from Manchester City, who has 0.94 interceptions and 1.18 tackles won per 90 minutes.
Whilst the Argentinian is fantastic in possession, he lacks the defensive nous to play the six in the long term. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool still hold an interest in Andre Trindade but could go into the market in January for other options.
Despite the controversy surrounding Alexis Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp has recently shared the thoughts of worried fans but backed the Argentinian speaking about the changing roles in football.
The German manager noted, "Is Macca [Mac Allister] a natural born six? No. Did football develop in the last year in directions that we could not have imagined before? Yes.
"Does that mean a player like Macca can play the No.6? Definitely, but it depends on how the whole team depends. Easy as that."
Klopp believes in his man and when he was brought into the club, most fans thought about the creativity he would bring and more goals and assists from midfield. The 24-year-old is yet to register a goal for the Merseyside Reds and only has two assists in all competitions during this campaign.
The Argentinian is being used as a facilitator by Jurgen Klopp, similarly to the way that Thiago was used before his injury. It would be interesting to see whether Klopp would use both Thiago and Mac Allister together in a midfield, with a double pivot potentially providing more defensive security.
However, until Thiago returns, Klopp will deploy Alexis Mac Allister in the six and those defensive frailties will continue to rear their heads. The Argentinian does have a fantastic attitude and selflessness about him to play out of his position for the team, but the Reds must find a long-term number six if they're to compete for the league in the coming seasons.