“No Doubt About His Quality” – Mac Allister Backs Wirtz to Silence Critics
Alexis Mac Allister insists Liverpool have seen the “real” Florian Wirtz at last, backing the young midfielder to prove himself in the Premier League after an outstanding display in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham.
Speaking after the victory at the London Stadium, the Argentina midfielder rejected concerns about his teammate’s slow start and claimed Liverpool’s £100 million summer signing showed exactly why the club invested so heavily in him.
A Reminder of Why Liverpool Signed Him
Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth an initial £100m, yet his first few months in England have brought criticism rather than celebration. The 22-year-old entered the match without a goal or assist in the league and has been used as a symbol of Liverpool’s recent inconsistency.
But against West Ham, he delivered the kind of confident performance Liverpool fans—and his manager—have been waiting for.
Mac Allister was adamant there is no question about Wirtz’s talent.
“There’s no doubt about his quality,” he said. “What he can do in small spaces is amazing. Hopefully he keeps going like this.”
Liverpool returned to winning ways for the first time in four matches and climbed to eighth in the Premier League table. The pressure lifting around Anfield was clear—not just on Wirtz, but on others as well.
Isak Breaks His Drought at Last
Another player under scrutiny, Alexander Isak, produced his most decisive contribution since joining Liverpool on deadline day in a £125m transfer from Newcastle United. Injuries and form have held back the 26-year-old striker, but he finally opened his Premier League account for his new club.
Mac Allister said the goal was overdue.
“Really happy for him,” he said. “He deserves it.”
He even joked about Isak’s muted reaction after scoring.
“He doesn’t even smile when he scores,” he laughed.
Behind the humour was a deeper point: Liverpool believe the expensive additions are starting to settle.
A Turning Point or a False Dawn?
The win didn’t change everything. Mac Allister admitted Liverpool are still far from their level.
“To be completely honest, I don’t think we saw the team we want to be. We can do much more defensively.”
That honesty highlights the bigger story: Liverpool’s transition under Arne Slot has been uneven. Before Sunday, they had lost three straight matches in all competitions. Injuries, new signings, and tactical adjustments have all contributed to an unsettled start.
But performances like those from Wirtz and Isak provide the glimmer of a more cohesive future. Both were signed to be central figures, not projects.
What Comes Next?
Liverpool face a tight fixture schedule, and their midfielder hopes Sunday’s victory sets a foundation rather than becoming another isolated result.
“Hopefully this gives us a boost,” Mac Allister said. “Now the focus is Wednesday.”
As for the title race? He didn’t hesitate.
“No, that’s difficult. Arsenal are very strong and City are there as always.”
Instead, he reframed Liverpool’s goals.
“For us, it’s about getting points and playing the football we can play.”
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just Liverpool arresting a slump. This was the kind of performance that hinted at why the club spent £225m combined on Wirtz and Isak. The win buys time. It relieves pressure. It gives Liverpool a storyline their supporters can finally get behind.
The question now isn’t whether Wirtz and Isak have quality—it’s whether they can sustain it as the season gets tougher.
Liverpool believe so. Mac Allister believes so. Sunday might go down as the moment the rest of the Premier League started to believe it too.