Alexis Mac Allister gives take on positional shift since his Liverpool arrival

Alexis Mac Allister believes he has truly found his stride in a Liverpool shirt after producing a string of fantastic performances in recent weeks.

Previously known as a more attacking-minded midfielder, Mac Allister was thrust into a more defensive role upon his Liverpool arrival, filling in as a holding midfielder after the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner left Jurgen Klopp's side depleted in that area.

It's been a role he's operated for the majority of his first season on Merseyside so far - and after taking some time to adjust to his new surroundings, the Argentinian is now impressing fans on a regular basis.

Stellar performances against the likes of Arsenal, Bournemouth and most recently Chelsea have seen his stock in the Liverpool side soar, highlighting just how effectively the midfielder has adapted.

What looked like a temporary fix at 'number six' could become something more permanent if Mac Allister keeps up his form - something he seemingly wouldn't be against, having admitted that he's very much enjoying his new role.

"I like the way I am playing," Mac Allister said. "I like that I'm helping my team-mates, and if they need any protection.

"In the position I am playing now, it's more about the defensive things. But at the same time I'm able to get on the ball a lot, and I really like it.

"I know that at the beginning the fans were talking a lot about my position in the team, but I always said it was a position I really like and I think I can do it very well.

"It's quite different, because as a normal number eight you need to be able to carry the ball more and use it more further forward, stuff like that. Playing deeper, it's maybe a little bit easier in some respects because you get more space and more time when you're on the ball.

"But it's about understanding the game, and all my team-mates help me a lot. They make it easier for me."

Liverpool will hope to at least temporarily go out points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday afternoon as they head back to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal, less than a month out from their FA Cup win at the same ground.

Victory against the Gunners could prove pivotal in the title race - but Mac Allister insists there's still a long way to go before the Reds can even start thinking about popping the cork.

"It's clear that we have improved a lot now as a team since the beginning of the season," Mac Allister added.

"We are really working hard. You can see that every player who comes into the team knows exactly what they have to do, and it's very important for us to keep the level and then improve the team from there.

"We are really pleased with our performances so far but we know that we've only just gone past the halfway mark in the season. We need to keep going."