Alexis Mac Allister explains the 'key difference' under Arne Slot as Liverpool's tactics are explained

Alexis Mac Allister spoke to the media ahead of the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Bologna

Alexis Mac Allister says he feels “really comfortable” in his new midfield role under Arne Slot and that he is really enjoying football under the Dutchman.

Mac Allister was often used as a number 6 under Jurgen Klopp after his £35m move from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, but the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch this season has seen the Argentine relieved of some of his defensive duties. In slot, the 25-year-old will primarily be used in a double pivot with Gravenberch, with greater freedom to move forward and contribute to Liverpool's attacking play.

It's a subtle change that has benefited the Reds greatly so far as, aside from the surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest, they have made a bright start to life under their new head coach. And Mac Allister is relishing the opportunity to further hone his craft in the Liverpool engine room.

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“Maybe last season I played as a six for most of the year, so my position is completely different, but at the same time we have a lot of freedom,” Mac Allister said ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Bologna.

“We try to have a structure and know where our teammates will be, but we also have our freedom, sometimes just Ryan as a six, sometimes a double six and Dom (Szoboszlai) as a ten, but a lot changes.” What What I see is that I feel really comfortable and I really enjoy the idea and I hope we can show it tomorrow.

He added: “I think the principles are the same between Arne and Jürgen. I don't think there is much difference. I just think we have more of a structure now and some patterns that we're trying to improve. That's the most important difference.”

The world champion also spoke about his South American teammate Luis Diaz, who has improved tremendously under Slot. The Colombian has scored five league goals in just six games so far this season, but Mac Allister believes he can still improve.

“I think he knows how important the numbers are for strikers and wingers and I'm really happy for him to get the goals and assists,” said the midfielder. “He's been great for us, I think he can still improve and play the way he's playing. Consistency is key and hopefully he can show how fantastic he is as the year progresses.”

Wednesday evening marks Mac Allister's first Champions League game at Anfield, with the 25-year-old making his debut in the competition against AC Milan last month. About the prospect of crowning his first Champions League season with silver, the Argentina international said: “Of course it’s a dream.”

“For some people it was a surprise that I won a World Cup but I made my debut against Milan in the Champions League so it's pretty crazy but it's a dream to win it. When you play for Liverpool you have to fight for it. “We have good players, a good team, we will see at the end of the season whether we can fight for it.”