Forget Konaté: Arne Slot Must Consider Dropping ‘Absolutely Lost’ Mac Allister After Palace Defeat
Liverpool’s unbeaten league run came crashing down at Selhurst Park, and while Ibrahima Konaté struggled, it was Alexis Mac Allister who drew the sharpest criticism from fans.
The Reds arrived in South London with five straight wins in the Premier League, but despite Federico Chiesa’s late strike in the 87th minute, Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time goal handed Crystal Palace a dramatic 2-1 victory—their first defeat of the season.
‘Mac Allister Looked Completely Lost’
Much of the post-match debate on social media centered around Mac Allister. Once praised as one of Liverpool’s most reliable midfielders since his £35m move from Brighton in 2023, the Argentine looked far from his best.
Supporters were blunt:
- “Mac Allister looks completely lost. Jones offers far more right now.”
- “Bench him. He hasn’t performed all season.”
- “Slot keeps starting Bradley and Mac Allister despite their poor form. We’ve got Jones and Frimpong waiting.”
One fan even claimed they’d take Palace’s Adam Wharton “any day of the week” over the 2022 World Cup winner.
Subpar Display
Statistically, Mac Allister’s struggles were clear. Hooked in the 65th minute for Curtis Jones, he recorded:
- 0 shots on target
- 7 possessions lost
- 0/2 ground duels won (though 2/2 aerial duels)
With Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch both excelling, Mac Allister’s current form leaves Arne Slot with difficult selection calls.
Time for a Change?
Mac Allister has shown plenty of quality in a Liverpool shirt, and it’s likely only a matter of time before he regains form. But at Selhurst Park, the 26-year-old looked a shadow of himself—and with so much midfield depth available, Slot may need to rotate him out sooner rather than later.
