It may feel distant now, yet recalling the moment Liverpool clinched the Premier League title with Arne Slot in 2025 brings to mind a touching scene involving Alexis Mac Allister.

Once the final whistle sounded and teammates rushed to celebrate on the field, Mac Allister remained seated on the substitutes' bench, overcome with emotion.

During that match, the Argentine midfielder netted a goal that sparked celebrations at Anfield registering 1.74 on the Richter scale, just under the threshold for a minor earthquake.

Mac Allister proved a key contributor that year and played a vital part in Liverpool's successful title run.

However, twelve months later, following a lackluster campaign hampered by early injury setbacks, Mac Allister would acknowledge that the 2025-26 season did not meet his usual high benchmarks.

It marked the weakest of his three seasons since joining from Brighton for 35 million pounds in 2023.

Questions about his future naturally arose ahead of the summer, yet his standout performances for Argentina at the World Cup will encourage new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, even if it delays their first meeting.

Barring Argentina's final group-stage fixture, where qualification was assured, the 27-year-old featured in every minute for his nation, including 120 minutes each against Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time. Only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa logged more minutes.

Across those matches, Mac Allister accumulated 539 minutes, secured 31 duels, completed 10 tackles, recorded nine interceptions and initiated high pressure on 208 occasions, placing him among the leaders in these categories.

I feel the number eight role, or even a double number six setup, suits me best, though I can adapt to various positions, Mac Allister shared with ESPN last month.

Such flexibility will interest Iraola, who favors energetic midfielders suited to a high-pressing approach and direct play.

Regardless of the outcome in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, Argentina remain in the United States until the weekend for the third-place match and final.

Fifa rules grant World Cup players at least three weeks of rest, meaning participants this weekend will not rejoin their clubs before 10 August, leaving under two weeks until the Premier League campaign starts.

Mac Allister may therefore miss the opening weeks, yet Iraola recognizes he already possesses a proven winner in his midfield plans.

Winning remains the priority, Mac Allister remarked on Saturday after scoring in Argentina's quarter-final victory over Switzerland.

His achievements include a World Cup, a Copa America and a Premier League title. He stands alone with 12 World Cup appearances, all victories.

Accustomed to major occasions, Wednesday's semi-final against England could further demonstrate his value at the highest level.

Mac Allister continues on the five-year contract signed upon his 2023 arrival at Liverpool, leaving two years remaining, though no extension discussions are underway and he holds no active interest from other clubs.

With Dominik Szoboszlai, also contracted until 2028, negotiating a new deal and Ryan Gravenberch securing one in May, progress on Mac Allister's situation is anticipated during the coming season.

Absent such plans, Liverpool might entertain offers this summer, yet in a rising market for midfielders this represents a significant decision, akin to the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich last year.

Mac Allister shared a close bond with Jurgen Klopp, often joked about by teammates as a father figure. Their warm connection was evident in a World Cup embrace where Mac Allister presented his shirt to Klopp.

He praised Arne Slot as the ideal successor following Klopp's exit, noting the Dutch coach's off-field support as well.

It extends beyond football. This is not merely a club but our family, our memories and our legacy, which we must value since its duration remains uncertain, Mac Allister stated in August 2025.

His relationship with Iraola will prove pivotal in maximizing his potential. Both hope last season proves an anomaly and further successes await.

For now, the player known as Macca faces the task of a World Cup semi-final against the country that has been his home since 2020.