With Liverpool preparing for their highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Manchester United this weekend, former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy has urged manager Arne Slot to make a bold midfield change—by leaving Alexis Mac Allister out of the starting lineup.
International Form vs Club Fitness Concerns
Mac Allister arrives back at Melwood with renewed confidence after scoring twice in Argentina’s 6–0 demolition of Puerto Rico during the international break. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai also impressed on the international stage, netting a dramatic late equaliser for Hungary against Portugal.
Despite the upturn in form from both players, Murphy insists that Mac Allister should not start against United, citing fitness concerns following his disrupted preparation ahead of the new season.
“It’s not that I’m not a fan of Mac Allister—I think he’s a wonderful player,” Murphy said. “But missing pre-season has affected him. You can see physically he’s not at the same level as last season, and that’s inevitable when you’ve missed that conditioning. It’s tough to get that back.”
Murphy’s Preferred Midfield Trio
Murphy believes Liverpool need athleticism and tactical structure in midfield to cope with United’s pressing and transitions. His recommendation? Start Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Florian Wirtz, who joined the club in the summer and has quickly grown into Slot’s new-look system.
“At the moment, I would go with Szoboszlai and Gravenberch in the middle—two super athletic players who can cover lots of ground. And I’d put Wirtz ahead of them.”
He elaborated on the tactical balance:
“Szoboszlai can drift toward the right and help the full-back defensively when Mohamed Salah stays high. Salah has the licence not to defend much—like we saw in the Chelsea game—so you need legs around him. The athleticism of those two is what Liverpool need right now.”
Backing Wirtz to Create the Spark
Murphy is confident that Florian Wirtz should be trusted as the creative link between midfield and attack:
“That would be my three at the moment. I’d let Wirtz play through it because I think the magic will come. Szoboszlai and Gravenberch behind him are the two most athletic midfielders we’ve got.”
Where Does That Leave Curtis Jones?
Murphy also acknowledged Curtis Jones, praising his performances but maintaining that physical sharpness and mobility are essential for Liverpool’s upcoming fixture.
“Curtis Jones is terrific as well. But right now, Liverpool need legs, pressing energy and defensive balance.”
Decision Time for Slot
With Liverpool chasing momentum in both the Premier League and Europe, Arne Slot faces a significant selection dilemma. Does he reward Mac Allister’s international form, or take Murphy’s advice and prioritise athleticism and tactical discipline against United?
All eyes will be on his midfield choices when the teamsheets drop at Anfield.
