Midfield maestro Mac Allister becoming Liverpool's star man

Alexis Mac Allister is in superb form for Liverpool.

The midfielder's calmly-taken penalty against Manchester City last weekend was his fourth goal contribution in three matches.

And he has been a key figure in the centre of the park, controlling games in possession and pressing with relentless energy off the ball.

Ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Manchester United, we look at Mac Allister's importance to Jurgen Klopp's side.

Alexis on fire

Mac Allister has provided Liverpool with the necessary bite in midfield this season after the departures of Jordan Henderson and James Milner last summer.

Notably, he has made more tackles (64) in the Premier League than any of his team-mates.

Only Virgil van Dijk (34) has made more interceptions than the Argentina international (27), who has combined his obvious technical qualities with the tenaciousness required to thrive in a Klopp team.

Much of Liverpool's build-up flows through the 25-year-old — again, only Van Dijk (1,852) has completed more passes this term (1,152).

With 267 of those passes played into the final third, Mac Allister is clearly instrumental in many of his side's attacks.

The former Brighton man also has four assists and three goals to his name, chipping in with contributions — none more important than his penalty against City — at key times.

'Doctor' Mac Allister

Mac Allister has been Mr Consistent for the Reds this season.

With Dominik Szoboszlai only just returning to fitness and injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, the Argentinian has taken on extra responsibility.

And he has dealt with it admirably, rarely ever performing below par.

There has been plenty of deserved praise for the midfielder, most notably from team-mate Wataru Endo.

After the draw with City, he said: "He [Mac Allister] is incredible.

"We always try to help each other, especially when we have the ball. I have a very good feeling with him."

Klopp, meanwhile, has described Mac Allister as a "football doctor".

The Liverpool boss said last month: "Macca is just like a football doctor

"Playing the position the way he plays is very special. Very, very special. 

"[He is] super-aggressive, super-smart and his contribution for all our play in possession is extremely important."

Trophy hunt

There was an element of uncertainty surrounding Mac Allister's £35million move to Liverpool last summer.

Some suggested the step up from Brighton would be a difficult one — but he has so far exceeded expectations at Anfield.

Off the back of winning the World Cup with Argentina, Mac Allister has a thirst for more trophies in 2024.

His performances will be crucial for Liverpool as they look to last the pace in a relentless title race with Manchester City and Arsenal.

And he will play a big part if Klopp's side are to add to their already impressive trophy haul with another FA Cup triumph.