Arne Slot Backs Alexis Mac Allister’s Revival After Late Winner At Nottingham Forest

Liverpool F.C. manager, Arne Slot has thrown his weight behind Alexis Mac Allister, insisting the midfielder is rediscovering the levels that made him so influential last season.

Mac Allister repaid his manager’s faith with a stoppage-time winner against Nottingham Forest F.C. at the City Ground, sealing a 1-0 win just moments after seeing an earlier effort ruled out by VAR. Yet for Slot, the goal was merely the latest sign of a player steadily climbing back to his best.

“I think what he needed is what he showed in the last six, seven or eight games, a run of games where he’s getting back to the usual level that he showed so many times last season,” said Slot.

The Dutch coach acknowledged that Mac Allister’s campaign, like Liverpool’s, has not been without fluctuation. Performances have risen and dipped in tandem with the team’s broader form, but Slot believes the tide is turning.

“And he had that level also in the first half of the season but it went a bit with ups and downs, as the team went in terms of performances with ups and downs,” he said.

“But I see much more consistency recently, not only in Macca’s performance but in the team performance and many individual performances.”

Slot’s comments paint a picture of patience rewarded. Rather than question the Argentina international’s influence during the learner spells, the Liverpool boss has trusted in rhythm and continuity. A sustained run in the side, he suggests, has been the key to restoring sharpness and authority in midfield.

The late strike against Forest, coming deep into added time, provided a fitting headline moment for a player Slot believes is trending upwards.

“But I think it’s always nice for a player to score, especially if it’s in extra time,” Slot said.