Andros Townsend explains how Alexis Mac Allister's role helps make Liverpool dangerous

Despite a few hiccups along the way during the summer, Liverpool's midfield transformation is coming along nicely.

At least, that's the view of former Everton and England midfielder Andros Townsend.

Speaking on BBC 5Live's Monday Night Club, the winger, who made his first start for Luton Town against the Reds on 5 November, hailed Liverpool's revamped midfield as a driving force behind their relentless attacking prowess, drawing a stark contrast to the team's setup two years ago.

"[It's] completely different," he said. "Two years ago, they had the two number sixes in [Jordan] Henderson and Fabinho, who were sort of the workhorses in the side.

"They didn’t really get forward as much. They were prepared to sit back and wait for the counterattack and then cut out any counterattacks that happened and feed the ball back to the attacking players."

Townsend explained that the aforementioned pair's main objectives were to cut out any potential threats and feed the ball back to the attacking players - something that has changed considerably this season with the recruitment of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

"Now, when the ball is at the feet of [Joe] Gomez or [Virgil] Van Dijk or [Ibrahima] Konate, you have three midfielders who all have the quality to get on the ball and get turned and play forward," he said, highlighting the immense quality on the ball of the current occupant of the number six role, Mac Allister, despite the recent debate over his best position.

Some have criticised Jurgen Klopp's preference for using the World Cup winner in a more defensive capacity this season, but – as Townsend highlights – Liverpool's new-look midfield is now full of ball players.

He added: "Mac Allister is the number six now and he has immense quality. It’s so tough. You can’t allow anyone to have the ball."

READ MORE: Why Alexis Mac Allister isn't being misused by Jurgen Klopp 

Immense attacking threat

This new midfield dynamic, Townsend explained, is great news for the Reds' attacking players.

Describing the formidable trio of Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nuñez, Townsend painted a vivid picture of the constant threat posed by Liverpool's front line.

"You're constantly scanning. Jota looks to come inside. Salah roams, and then Nuñez runs in behind. It’s bombardment; you haven’t got a moment’s rest. You always have to be switched on," he said. "It’s so tough. You can’t allow anyone to have the ball."

The Reds' ability to seamlessly transition from defence to attack has undoubtedly contributed to their recent success on the pitch. Following Sunday's 3-0 home win over Brentford, the Reds sit second in the Premier League table, a point off leaders Manchester City, going into the international break.