Liverpool will reward Mac Allister if he lets his football do talking
Alexis Mac Allister scored a stunning winning goal as Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League, delivering a response just a day after admitting his sadness at not being offered a new contract by the club during the summer. The Argentine midfielder, who is contracted until 2028, was told the offer was withheld because his performances last season had not warranted fresh terms, and his display against Atletico was widely seen as him answering that snub on the pitch.
Mac Allister's left-footed strike beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak after Marcos Llorente had put Atletico ahead and Dominik Szoboszlai had equalised, sealing Liverpool's first home win of the season and manager Andoni Iraola's debut victory in the competition. It was the fifth of Mac Allister's 20 goals for the club to come from outside the box. Former players Paul Robinson and Steven Gerrard both praised the performance, with Gerrard saying the club "will reward" him if he keeps performing to that level, while Iraola side-stepped questions about the player's contract future.
In short
- Mac Allister scored the winner as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.
- Comes a day after he revealed sadness over no new contract offer.
- Pundits say the display shows he should now be rewarded.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Liverpool should reward Mac Allister with a new contract if he sustains performances like his match-winning display against Atletico. His quality and influence can make him valuable to the team, and recognising strong form could help retain a player who has shown he can deliver at the highest level.
The case against
Liverpool can reasonably wait before offering improved terms: Mac Allister is contracted until 2028, and the club reportedly judged that his previous season did not warrant a new deal. One outstanding performance is encouraging, but the club may want to see consistent form and weigh any offer against its wider squad and financial plans.
Explained simply
Liverpool are a football club whose players agree contracts setting out how long they will stay and what they are paid. Alexis Mac Allister, an Argentina international who joined the club as a midfielder, is under contract until 2028. Liverpool did not offer him improved terms over the summer, saying his performances last season did not justify a new deal.
A contract decision can matter to a player’s future at a club, but a strong run of performances may affect how the club views his value. Liverpool’s manager, Andoni Iraola, has not said what will happen with Mac Allister’s contract. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said the club may reward him if he continues to play well.