Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will get much of the plaudits for Liverpool’s dramatic win against West Ham on Sunday, but another star was running things.
It was an end-to-end clash against a West Ham side that has struggled with consistency this season. But just as they did at the Emirates a few weeks ago, the Hammers walked onto the pitch at Anfield with no fear—ready to take the game to a Liverpool side in desperate need of a win.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring by getting on the end of a record-breaking Salah assist just 18 minutes into the first half.
The game would not see another goal until the 86th minute thanks to impressive goalkeeping performances at both ends of the pitch.
An unfortunate error from Andy Robertson would bring West Ham level, before skipper Virgil van Dijk popped up with yet another crucial header from a corner to secure the three points for Liverpool and bring them within touching distance of a record-equaling 20th Premier League title.
But it was the man who took the decisive corner who was the real star of the show on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister’s impressive West Ham display
In a game full of fast breaks and physical battles, Alexis Mac Allister controlled the tempo and was involved in every aspect of Liverpool’s play.
Since Liverpool acquired Mac Allister from Brighton, the World Cup winner has been a model of consistency. Sunday’s performance showcased the well-rounded nature of his game, equally impactful breaking up the play as advancing it.
Even in a midfield with the physicality of Dominik Szoboszlai and the defensive consistency of Ryan Gravenberch, Mac Allister’s combative nature and willingness to draw contact make him indispensable to Arne Slot’s side. And that’s without mentioning his knack for the occasional screamer.
Mac Allister has only gotten better since joining the Reds and has paid back every cent of the £35m Liverpool spent two summers ago.
As Liverpool edge ever closer to the title, appreciation for the Argentinian’s contribution to the side only grows.
Mac Allister has caught Paul Scholes’ eye
Appearing on the Overlap after Liverpool’s disappointing performance in the Carabao Cup final last month, ex-Manchester United legend Paul Scholes highlighted the importance of Mac Allister in Liverpool’s midfield.
Scholes remarked on an underwhelming performance from the midfielder, saying: “I think Mac Allister is a really good player, he’s been really good for them this season, but… he kept taking too many touches. When you’re playing against powerful people, it’s the last thing you do; you’ve got to take one or two touches, don’t let anyone near you.”
But he went on to explain that this was an off-game. When he’s on it, Mac Allister makes Liverpool’s midfield tick:
“And he’s the player I think gets Liverpool playing, almost like a Modric has been through the years. When he’s not quite right, I just think the whole thing’s messed up.”
High praise from a Premier League all-timer.
Liverpool will be hoping Mac Allister’s form continues for the rest of the season—the Reds need just six points to cement their status as champions of England.