Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool should offer Alexis Mac Allister a new contract, and he thinks the club should act before the speculation begins. Mac Allister is under contract until June 2028, so there is no immediate pressure, but Gerrard argues that the midfielder has earned fresh terms.
Gerrard makes his case
Speaking on The Overlap Daily after Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, Gerrard said Mac Allister had done enough to merit a new deal. Although Alisson Becker was named man of the match, Gerrard felt Mac Allister was the standout outfield performer, and he described the Argentina international’s displays as consistent throughout the season.
Gerrard praised his intelligence, competitiveness and aggression, and he highlighted his aerial ability, which he described as excellent for a player of his size. He also pointed to his value at set pieces, where he is both a threat going forward and a dependable presence when defending. In Gerrard’s view, Mac Allister has been central to the midfield settling and has helped a Liverpool side that looked soft early in the campaign to play with more fight and spirit.
Why the timing matters
The argument for acting now is largely practical. Mac Allister is 27, experienced and already trusted in big matches. Good midfielders of that profile are expensive to replace, and Liverpool know exactly what they are getting. He fits the current setup under Andoni Iraola, who wants intensity from his players, and Mac Allister offers pressing, ground coverage and link play, along with a useful goal threat. His recent strike against Atletico Madrid was a reminder of that.
A possible explanation for a dip
Gerrard also offered a theory for why Mac Allister’s form dropped during the previous season. He suggested that, as with many Argentine players, the approaching World Cup became a distraction, taking over players’ focus and making national team duty the top priority. Gerrard drew on his own experience of Emiliano Martinez during his time at Aston Villa to illustrate the point.
Mac Allister went on to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which gives that context some weight. Whatever the cause of the earlier slump, Gerrard’s message is clear: Mac Allister is performing well now, suits the manager and remains a key part of the midfield. Liverpool would be wise to open talks and settle his future before it becomes a bigger issue.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
