Liverpool are preparing for a new era. Manager Arne Slott was sacked from FSG after two seasons, but the gap between the Dutch manager’s two terms could not be greater.
He burst onto the Premier League scene less than a year after Jurgen Klopp’s resignation, winning the title and being hailed as one of the world’s best managers, but a combination of circumstances in the slot this season has meant that many of Liverpool’s problems remain unresolved.
Liverpool’s recent Premier League finish | ||
|---|---|---|
season | point | league standings |
25/26 | 60 | 5th place |
24/25 | 84 | 1st place |
23/24 | 82 | 3rd place |
22/23 | 67 | 5th place |
21/22 | 92 | second |
20/21 | 69 | 3rd place |
19/20 | 99 | 1st place |
Slott had to step down and Andoni Iraola was appointed as his successor. More changes are needed, and much of the buzz at the moment is centered around forwards such as Yann Diomande and Bradley Barcola, who could reshape Liverpool’s attacking structure.
But the center of the park may need just as much, if not more, attention.
Liverpool have an advantage in race to sign Premier League midfielder
Alexis Mac Allister has been a key cog in Liverpool’s system for a number of years now, but something has gone horribly wrong over the past year. This is a hollow shell of the title-winning midfielder of recent years, bereft of vitality, vigor, sharpness and intensity.
He may be transferred this summer. After all, Liverpool’s midfield has formed the center of this season’s struggles, with Dominik Szoboszlai the only standout player.
The problem, of course, is that it’s not just Mac Allister who could be on the move, but Curtis Jones as well. The Scouser was dissatisfied with the lack of playing time at his boyhood club, but Iraola has now taken his place.
According to Sportboom, Liverpool have emerged as favorites in the race to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, mainly because of their signing of Iraola.
The 22-year-old Scot is one of Europe’s most talented young midfielders and is valued at £60 million. Manchester United are also heavily in the race to sign England’s future superstar, but he could be the perfect replacement if Mac Allister is released.
Why Scott would upgrade Mac Allister to Liverpool
The Scot has long been regarded as a promising midfielder and, although he will not take part in the World Cup with the Three Lions, he has traveled across the pond as part of manager Thomas Tuchel’s pre-tournament training camp.
He shone as a teenager when Bristol City lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup three years ago and has gone from strength to strength since then, with presenter Mark Goldbridge even declaring he “plays like prime Roy Keane”.
That may be a bit of a stretch, but it is true that he is one of the best talents in the country and given his familiarity with Iraola’s system, he could be the perfect replacement for Mac Allister at Anfield.
After all, he has certainly outperformed the Argentine star in this season’s Premier League.
Premier League Statistics (25/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Mac Allister | Scott |
Match (start) | 37(31) | 37(34) |
Goal + Assist | 2+4 | 3+1 |
touch* | 50.3 | 54.2 |
Exact path* | 33.6 (87%) | 31.9 (85%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 4 | 4 |
Key pass* | 1.0 | 0.8 |
Loss of ownership* | 7.8 | 10.4 |
It was successful. dribble* | 0.3 (41%) | 0.8 (56%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 3.0 | 5.3 |
Tackle + Interception* | 2.0 | 2.6 |
clearance* | 0.9 | 2.2 |
Win a duel* | 3.1 (45%) | 5.0 (56%) |
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Described as a “special talent” by Cherries team-mate Lewis Cook, Scott has all the talent and could provide Liverpool with the natural continuity they need if Mac Allister leaves.
Scott is young, so signing him this season would be a bit of a risk. But as an all-action quality replacement for Mac Allister, he is very likely to fit well into Iraola’s Liverpool system.
Liverpool are in talks to sign a bigger talent than Yann Diomande this week
Liverpool are hoping to complete a series of quick deals in the summer transfer window.
