Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to offer Alexis Mac Allister a new contract as the Argentine continued his impressive start to the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The World Cup winner opened the scoring for the Reds as they picked up a 3-1 win and has now made 16 appearances so far this season, returning five goals and an assist.
Having struggled last season under Arne Slot, Mac Allister has returned to form to establish himself as one of Liverpool's star players under Andoni Iraola so far this campaign. But despite his current form, his long-term future remains uncertain with his current contract set to expire in 2028.
Gerrard's theory on Mac Allister's struggles
Mac Allister has been on record more than once in recent weeks, admitting he wants to stay at Anfield but has been told by club bosses that the Reds are not currently in a position to offer him an extension. Liverpool legend Gerrard has admitted he hopes the club keep hold of the midfielder, though, as he offered his own theory behind the Argentine's struggles last season.
"I've loved him this season," he said on The Overlap Daily, brought to you by Sky Bet. "I think last year, like a lot of the Argentinian players, they had a bit of a distraction with the World Cup coming up. It's the way they are. The World Cup takes over everything in their lives. And I lived that with Emiliano Martínez when I was at Aston Villa. I just think it becomes a priority."
"I think it becomes a bit of a distraction. It becomes the most important thing in their lives, to be ready and not injured and make sure that the national team is the priority. So, I think with a lot of the Argentina players, I'm sure a lot of managers, if they watch this, will say: 'Yeah, I've experienced that.'"
Gerrard praises Mac Allister's qualities
"But in terms of what I've seen this season, I think Alexis Mac Allister deserves a new deal, and I want Liverpool to keep him, because he's a clever footballer," Gerrard continued. "He's a competitor, he's aggressive, he knows the game, his understanding of the game's top. He's fantastic in the air, fantastic in the air for a little fella. I think there's only really Michael Owen I've seen, who's a similar size, who's probably better than him in the air, but he's a threat at set pieces."
"He's helpful defending set pieces, and he's brave, and he just knows the game. He's got a good understanding. He's an experienced player. I wouldn't want Liverpool to lose him now. I think he's been key to the midfield, and I felt like Liverpool as a team were a little bit soft in the opening games of the season. I see a bit more fight now and a bit more spirit and a bit more of a competitive side to this Liverpool team. I think we can get better, but I'm happy with Mac Allister and his form."
Mac Allister's response
Meanwhile, Mac Allister admitted he has not yet given up hope of earning an extension when speaking after the victory over Crystal Palace. "There's still time. The fans don't need to worry," he told AS. "It's going to depend on how I perform during these years. I'm going to give 100% and, hopefully, maybe they (the board) will change their minds."
"I had some very good years at Liverpool. I remember the year we won the Premier League, which was a very good year. Also, the first year with Jurgen (Klopp), playing perhaps in a new position I wasn't used to. Overall, apart from last year, they were very good years. The important thing is that I'm playing well now, that I feel good, and that I hope I can continue like this."
