Report: Mac Allister is gradually returning to his best form, no need to worry about his contract renewal

On September 10 Beijing time, Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first round of the Champions League league phase. After the match, Daily Mail Liverpool team reporter Lewis Steele published a column analyzing the team's current situation and Mac Allister's circumstances.

Each Champions League win brings a substantial £1.8 million bonus, and Alexis Mac Allister has already earned Liverpool several months' worth of the salary from the new contract he dreams of through his strong performances on the pitch.

This week, the Argentine midfielder spoke publicly and honestly told the club that he felt "very sad" after learning that the team could not currently offer him a new contract. His undisguised honesty was admirable.

He admitted that seeing midfield teammates Szoboszlai and Gravenberch successfully receive contract extensions while he could only wait anxiously by the phone for the club to change its mind was extremely painful, especially given that he had repeatedly expressed his deep love for the club publicly.

Less than 24 hours after those comments, Mac Allister delivered on the pitch with a world-class strike, helping Liverpool defeat strong opponents Atletico Madrid and secure a crucial victory.

It was this brilliant shot — one that could easily have gone wide or over with a slight mistake — that helped Andoni Iraola achieve victory in his first Champions League match as a manager.

Against Simeone's disciplined and defensively resilient Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, who are in a transition period, could have suffered a setback, but Mac Allister's key goal tipped the balance in the Reds' favor.

After this match, his and his father Carlos' bargaining position in the contract negotiations was undoubtedly strengthened.

Liverpool fans in the stands loudly sang Mac Allister's praises, and such passionate scenes were not common last season. After suffering injuries early last season, he never fully regained his rhythm, with Liverpool's midfield often being overwhelmed by opponents and him at one point becoming one of the team's poorest performers.

However, this candid statement may have made some fans realize that he is ultimately also an ordinary person with emotions, worries and disappointments.

He loves the club deeply, wants to stay, is willing to fight for a starting role, and is determined to prove that his doubters were wrong about him. This sincere attitude appears to have helped fans stand firmly behind him again.

The delight on Wednesday night was not only the priceless goal, but also his excellent performance throughout the match. Following his display against Ipswich last Friday, Mac Allister finally seems to have rediscovered his peak form after a season in which his performances clearly declined.

When in form, Mac Allister perfectly displays the toughness of an Argentine midfielder: relentless and aggressive without the ball, like a bulldog, while possessing vision and refined technical ability on the ball. Against Atletico, he showed these elite qualities to the fullest, and Atletico had wanted to sign him for more than a year.

So, can such a dominant performance make Liverpool's hierarchy completely change its stance on the contract issue?

First, it should be objectively noted that there is currently no need to be overly anxious about his future. His existing long-term contract still has nearly two years remaining, far from a situation where he would become a free agent by the end of the year.

Even two outstanding performances this week cannot change the harsh fact that Mac Allister will be approaching 30 when his current contract expires.

But a very positive sign has emerged: he is gradually returning to his best form — the same level that made him recognized as one of Liverpool's core players during their 2024-25 Premier League title-winning campaign.

If he can consistently maintain this level of performance, he absolutely deserves to continue playing at his beloved Anfield. Nights like this will undoubtedly help his contract talks, and club legend Steven Gerrard has also offered him valuable advice.

"Let the football do the talking," the former Reds captain said on TNT Sports. "I thought his performance tonight was perfect."

"He received a yellow card early, which could have seriously affected him... but then he produced a magnificent long-range strike and remained calm and disciplined despite being booked. That was an outstanding performance."

"That is what you should do: speak through your actions on the pitch, show your experience and top-level ability, and prove you are a genuine elite international player. Believe me, this great club... will certainly give you the reward you deserve."

Gerrard was completely right. The door to a contract extension may have temporarily closed, but it has not been locked. He still has enough opportunities to convince Liverpool's management to change its mind, and such dominant performances are the best key to opening the door to a new deal.

How was Barcola's first start?

Last Friday at Ipswich's Portman Road, Bradley Barcola broke a record just minutes after coming on as a substitute: he recorded the fastest sprint speed in the Premier League this season.

Making his first career start at Anfield this time, he again showed incredible explosiveness and attacking impact, coming just short of scoring his first goal for the Reds.

Had Liverpool unfortunately dropped points, fans' frustration might have been directed at Barcola for wasting several excellent chances in front of goal. He could have done better, but as Iraola said after the match, creating scoring opportunities through sharp instincts was itself worthy of praise.

Barcola combined well with attacking teammates Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who also delivered impressive performances. Liverpool fans hope this is a highly positive sign — if all three young stars can maintain this form, the Reds' prospects this season and in the future will be limitless.

Iraola's players show strong fighting spirit.

In Iraola's first few weeks managing Liverpool, the positive signs have clearly outweighed the negative ones. There have been tactical highlights that excite fans, as well as details requiring caution, leaving some uncertainty overall.

But one thing is beyond doubt: this new-look Reds side has shown tremendous fighting spirit. They came back from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Newcastle and produced a similar comeback against Nottingham Forest.

Last season, if Liverpool had conceded first against Simeone's disciplined Atletico Madrid, they might have collapsed. But things are different now: they fought back and gave the fans in the stands confidence to fully support the team.

They have also been highly entertaining and threatening when controlling possession and building attacks. In one second-half counterattack, Liverpool even created a six-versus-two numerical advantage.

During Arne Slot's tenure last season, the Reds were criticized by media and fans for playing dull football. Since Iraola took charge, he has at least achieved one thing: making Liverpool's matches enjoyable to watch again.