Alexis Mac Allister‘s running battle with Amadou Onana may have been a footnote on Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, but it symbolises a big step forward for the No. 10.

This has, no doubt by his own admission, Mac Allister’s most difficult campaign as a Liverpool player so far.

After the tragic loss of one of his closest friends in the squad, Diogo Jota, the midfielder returned for pre-season unable to take part due to injury, while later in the summer two more allies departed as Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez moved on.

A continued struggle for fitness – which began long before the end of his title-winning season last time out – has not only limited his influence on the pitch but even led to questions over his long-term future.

One of only two players to keep his place from the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, there was more scrutiny over Mac Allister’s involvement for the visit of Villa on Saturday night.

But the Argentine produced a defiant response to his critics with a snarling display in Liverpool’s first Premier League win in five games.

It was a performance that certainly...