Alexis Mac Allister insists he feels 'comfortable' with new role for Argentina

Alexis Mac Allister has insisted once again that playing deeper is not an issue, as he was handed a holding role for the Argentina national team.

Summer signing Mac Allister has largely been used as a 'number six' this season for Liverpool, after joining in a £35m move from Brighton.

Following the departure of Fabinho, the 24-year-old seems to be Jurgen Klopp's preferred option at the base of the Reds midfield, despite shining for the Seagulls in more of an attacking position.

However, Mac Allister put in an impressive performance for Argentina in a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Thursday, in which he was also deployed as a midfield anchor. After the game, the World Cup winner expressed his 'comfort' at playing in a deeper role.

“I played more or less like I do at the club,” said Mac Allister, via El Grafico, following Argentina’s win. “It’s a new position but I feel very comfortable.

“Scaloni (Argentina’s manager) asks me to manage the balance of the team, to take care of the relays and to take care of myself when I leave.”

The defensive role is one that Mac Allister is still adjusting to at club level, impressing when Liverpool have control in possession like in wins over Aston Villa and West Ham. However in the tougher games against the likes of Brighton and Tottenham, the 24-year-old still has faced criticism from some quarters.

READ MORE: Why Alexis Mac Allister isn't actually being misused at Liverpool

Following the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner in a summer overhaul, Jurgen Klopp has had to find a new midfield balance, with Mac Allister often having to adapt to line up in front of Liverpool’s back line.

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo, another of the Reds' summer signings and a more naturally defensive midfielder, has been used sparingly so far.

There could be further additions to Liverpool's midfield in January and Anfield Watch understands that Fluminense star Andre is still hopeful of a move to Liverpool after a summer bid was rejected.

Mac Allister will next be in action for Argentina as they face Peru early on Wednesday morning, before a return to Liverpool as the Reds face Everton on Saturday, 21 October.