Real Madrid DESPERATE for Liverpool midfielder deal after Champions League defeat

Liverpool overcame Real Madrid on Tuesday night in their Champions League clash at Anfield - easily winning by a goal to nil.

The Reds dominated the encounter from start to finish - ensuring Madrid’s much-vaunted stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham barely had a kick.

Arne Slot’s side put their recent indifferent form in the rearview mirror - looking much more like their old selves. It was a statement performance and one which should put the rest of Europe on notice as to what this Liverpool side can do.

Certainly the result has prompted plenty of soul-searching in Madrid. Having spent big over the summer on Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold, a lot more was expected from Xabi Alonso’s side.

Real Madrid suffer against Liverpool at Anfield

Although they are top of the Spanish top flight, they have come out second best against Atletico Madrid in LaLiga - losing 5-2 - and against Liverpool at Anfield.

And according to a new report in Fichajes, club officials have identified a lack of midfield playmaker as the chief reason behind their timidity in the big games so far this season.

“In recent matches, such as the defeat against Atlético Madrid and the setback at Anfield against Liverpool, it became clear that the team lacks the player who can orchestrate play and create opportunities for his teammates,” the report reads.

Apparently this is a deficiency that Alonso has been at pains to point out to his paymasters inside the Bernabeu. And the former Liverpool midfielder has now given club president Florentino Perez a list of options that he believes can solve the problem.

Xabi Alonso has got Mac Allister on his Real Madrid wishlist

Liverpool’s goalscorer from the midweek clash - Alexis Mac Allister - is one such name on the list.

“Xabi Alonso presented Real Madrid with a list of options to fill that vacancy: Enzo Fernández from Chelsea, Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool, Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, and Vitinha from PSG,” the report reads.

“The club desperately needs a midfield structure capable of both controlling and creating chances.”

Liverpool will soon have a decision to make over the 26-year-old. Although he returned to form with a goal against Madrid, the Argentine World Cup winner has been below his best this season.

Mac Allister's uncertain contract situation

With a contract expiring in 2028, Richard Hughes will soon have to decide whether or not the No10 is worth a new, improved deal. If not then he could opt to cash in on Macca - and Madrid would surely be prepared to pay handsomely.

Mac Allister’s tour-de-force performance reminded a poor Madrid of exactly what they are missing this season. Without a player of his capabilities it’s likely that Alonso’s reign will end in doom and gloom.

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