World-class star wants to play for Liverpool, make it happen Julian Ward

A star has proven himself world-class and he wants to play for Liverpool. What is Julian Ward waiting for?

Liverpool saw off Villarreal in a wild game at Anfield on Tuesday evening. The Reds fell behind 2-0 but came back to lead 4-2 before conceding a late third.

And really, it was Andoni Iraola who stole the show. The Spaniard saw changes had to happen, made the right ones, and ultimately delivered the win with a much-rotated team.

Not to take away from individuals, of course, as Rio Ngumoha was outstanding. This was arguably his best performance for Liverpool and one in which he looked like a serious threat at the senior level.

Florian Wirtz also changed the game, coming on at half-time to revitalise a Liverpool side in need of it. And then there was another star display - one that demonstrated a world-class player.

Alexis Mac Allister - world-class

Alexis Mac Allister had an incredible game. Eventually, anyway. He was initially part of a midfield that struggled badly to get a hold of the game but thanks to some tactical changes, he was unleashed.

The two goals were undeniably the highlight and Liverpool lose this match without them. They showcased Mac Allister's incredible ability to win the ball on set-pieces as well as just how good he is at arriving in the box. Two traits that help him stand out among everyone else in his position, quite honestly.

Mac Allister's goals took him to eight in the UEFA Champions League for Liverpool. Only seven players have more since the rebrand - a ridiculous statistic for a midfielder not named Steven Gerrard.

But this display was more than that. The Argentine marshalled the midfield alongside a teenager in Trey Nyoni, seeing out the game and getting Liverpool moving forward more than anyone.

14 passes into the final third was comfortably the most in the match, for one. Mac Allister ran the show from deep and this was a fantastic performance even without the two goals.

With them? It's the display of a world-class player and one Liverpool sorely need to tie down. He's made no secret whatsoever about his desire to remain with the Reds but the club said they 'weren't in a position' to renew his contract in the summer.

That has to change.