There are myriad reasons behind Liverpool thus far failing to hit the heights of last season in the defence of their championship. One, though, is surely more frustrating than most.

Alexis Mac Allister swiftly became regarded as one of the bargains of the summer in 2023 after the Reds triggered his £35million release clause, the Argentina midfielder going on to become an integral player during Jurgen Klopp's final campaign in charge as the Anfield side embarked on an unlikely title challenge and secured the League Cup.

Mac Allister was switched from a sole defensive midfielder to a more forward position during the second half of that season to impressive effect.

But when Arne Slot replaced Klopp in the hotseat, his switch from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, with Mac Allister again dropping deeper to play on...