A late-season change of tactics by Liverpool is good news for Alexis Mac Allister’s prospects in Fantasy Premier League in 2023/24.
See: Liverpool sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton
The Reds adopted a new formation towards the end of 2022/23, with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving into a deep-lying central playmaker role when in possession.
Jurgen Klopp favoured a 3-2-2-3 set-up employing this system, with two central midfielders taking up advanced positions behind their front three.
This tactic immediately transformed Curtis Jones’s output, with the midfielder recording three goals and an assist - all his attacking returns for the campaign - during that run.
Accustomed to an advanced role
Mac Allister has already shown his potential in an advanced central role for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The midfielder mainly occupied this position in the second half of 2022/23 after returning from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
At first glance, his output of five goals, three of which were penalties, and two assists isn’t too impressive.
But the underlying numbers highlight the goal threat Mac Allister will bring to Liverpool's attack.
His totals of 58 shots and 23 shots on target both placed among the top five players in Fantasy from Gameweek 20 onwards and were level with Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes.
His 30 shots in the box and 34 chances created both ranked joint 16th with Cody Gakpo and Riyad Mahrez respectively.
Mac Allister's statistics from GW20 onwards
| Statistic | Total | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 58 | =4 (+ Haaland, Fernandes) |
| Shots in box | 30 | =16 (+ Gakpo) |
| Shots on target | 23 | =5 (+ Salah, Fernandes) |
| Chances created | 34 | =16 (+ Mahrez) |
Rise in price?
A move to Liverpool will obviously come with a price hike in Fantasy and there would be no surprise if Mac Allister mirrored Gakpo’s 2022/23 starting cost of £8.0m.
Certainly, there seems little chance of Mac Allister replacing Mohamed Salah as the club’s first-choice penalty-taker.
Nor for managers in Fantasy next season will he replace Salah as the Reds’ go-to attacker. The Egyptian was looking back to his best in Klopp’s new set-up.
Mac Allister’s arrival, nonetheless, indicates Liverpool will continue with their new formation in the coming season.
His significant goal threat in an advanced role can help Mac Allister emerge as a strong contender in the upper mid-price bracket for 2023/24.
Also in this series
Part 1: Flekken can be Brentford’s No 1
Part 3: Midfield role could lift Nkunku's appeal
Part 4: Kluivert can continue rapid improvement
Part 5: How new role can help Havertz thrive
