It was a bright and confident Arne Slot who faced the press, just days before Liverpool’s first big test of the new season. The Premier League champions were preparing for a trip to Wembley, where they would meet FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the 2025 Community Shield. On paper, some people would call it a friendly, a glorified pre-season fixture with a shiny trophy attached. But for Slot, this was not just another match. This was the first official opportunity to show the football world that Liverpool are ready to pick up exactly where they left off last season — dominating, winning, and sending a clear warning to all rivals.
And in the middle of this build-up came a piece of news that sent a wave of excitement through the Liverpool fanbase: Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine midfield maestro, could be in the starting XI. Yes, the same Alexis Mac Allister who was instrumental in Liverpool’s title charge last season, the same man whose vision, work rate, and technical brilliance made him one of the most reliable players under Slot.
Mac Allister had been away on Copa America duty with Argentina during the summer, fighting battles in a completely different footballing environment. The grueling tournament had pushed him physically and mentally, and many thought he might need a few weeks to recharge before stepping into Liverpool’s fast-paced season. But Slot hinted otherwise. He smiled in that calm way of his, as if holding back the full tactical plan, but he made it clear: Mac Allister could start.
This was not a decision taken lightly. Managers often protect players who have had short breaks after summer tournaments. The temptation to rest them, to keep them fresh for the long months ahead, is always there. But Slot is not a man who plays it safe when he senses an opportunity to make a statement. And Wembley, with the cameras, the fans, and the trophy on the line, is a perfect stage for statements.
Liverpool’s relationship with the Community Shield has always been complicated. Some years they’ve treated it as a warm-up, other years as a must-win. This time, Slot made it clear: he wants silverware. “Every match matters,” he said in his calm but firm tone. “It’s not about calling it a friendly. It’s about winning.” This was more than just manager-speak — it was a reflection of the new era at Anfield. Slot is building a culture where every match is a chance to reinforce the standard, to demand the best from everyone wearing the red shirt.
And there’s a deeper reason why this matters for Liverpool right now. Their Premier League triumph last season was nothing short of extraordinary. They didn’t just win — they dominated. But dominance in football is fragile. History shows how quickly a champion can look vulnerable if the hunger fades. Slot knows this, and he has spent the summer making sure complacency doesn’t creep in.
Wembley on Sunday is not just about lifting a trophy. It’s about setting the tone for the next nine months. It’s about showing Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle, and every other challenger that Liverpool are still operating at full throttle. Slot wants to make a loud opening statement — and starting Mac Allister could be a key part of that.
Fans remember how Mac Allister’s intelligence in midfield unlocked stubborn defences last season. His link-up play with the forwards, his ability to control the tempo, and his knack for making the right decision under pressure — all of these qualities could be vital against a well-organised Crystal Palace side. Palace may not have Liverpool’s star power, but under their current setup they are anything but pushovers. Their FA Cup win last season proved they can rise to the big occasion.
For Mac Allister, Sunday could also carry personal significance. His summer with Argentina ended with both pride and exhaustion. Returning to club football so quickly will be a test, but it could also be a sign of his commitment to the Liverpool cause. Some players take extra holidays after such tournaments, but Mac Allister’s potential readiness suggests a man who wants to get straight back to work.
The atmosphere at Wembley will be electric. The Community Shield may not be the Champions League final, but it still draws tens of thousands to the stadium and millions of viewers at home. The mix of red from Liverpool and the colours of Palace will create a vibrant backdrop, the kind of occasion where a big player can leave a lasting image early in the season.
Slot’s approach to this match reveals something else about him — he understands the psychology of football. He knows how much confidence can be built from an early trophy. He knows how much momentum matters. Winning the Community Shield might not be the top priority for the season, but starting the campaign with a trophy can fuel belief in the dressing room. It can also send a message to opponents: “We’re already winning, and we haven’t even started the league yet.”
For Liverpool’s supporters, the idea of seeing Mac Allister back in action so soon is exciting. Many remember his standout performances in big games — his ability to pick a pass no one else saw, his calmness under intense pressure, and his surprising knack for popping up with goals in crucial moments. If he does start on Sunday, fans will be watching to see whether he has maintained his sharpness from the international stage.
But there’s another layer to this — competition within Liverpool’s squad is fierce right now. Over the summer, Slot and the club strengthened in several areas. New signings are eager to make their mark, and established players know they can’t afford a slow start if they want to keep their place in the team. If Mac Allister plays and performs well at Wembley, it will be another reminder of why he’s one of the first names on Slot’s team sheet.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will not be turning up just to clap Liverpool onto the pitch. Their FA Cup triumph has given them belief that they can beat top sides. They will come organised, physical, and ready to frustrate. They’ll know that even though Liverpool are favourites, Wembley finals have a way of producing surprises. For Slot, this is all the more reason to trust experienced, battle-ready players like Mac Allister.
And perhaps that’s the heart of this decision — trust. Slot trusts Mac Allister to step onto the pitch at Wembley and deliver, regardless of the short break after Copa America. He trusts his intelligence, his adaptability, and his work ethic. He knows that players like Mac Allister can be the difference in tight matches, where moments of brilliance decide trophies.
The match itself will be more than just a test of tactics. It will be a test of mentality. Liverpool will be expected to dominate possession, to play with pace and creativity, and to keep Palace under constant pressure. But finals often have unexpected rhythms. There will be moments when Liverpool must be patient, moments when they must dig deep defensively, and moments when they must seize the slightest opening. In all of these scenarios, having a player like Mac Allister on the pitch could be invaluable.
The decision also signals something to the rest of Liverpool’s squad — that if you’re ready, you play. Slot is showing that form, readiness, and contribution matter more than long holidays or cautious timelines. It sets a standard for everyone: be prepared to give everything, right from the first whistle of the season.
For the fans travelling to Wembley, there will be the usual rituals — scarves held high, songs echoing on the trains and buses, the buzz of seeing the famous arch in the distance. The Community Shield may not count towards league points, but for those in the stands, the joy of seeing Liverpool lift another trophy is priceless. If Mac Allister is part of that winning team, it will only add to the satisfaction.
And for Mac Allister himself, starting this game could be the perfect way to send a message: that last season was not his peak, that he is ready to go even further, and that his commitment to Liverpool is total. Whether it’s in the Premier League, the Champions League, or the opening match at Wembley, he’s prepared to give everything.
As the countdown to Sunday continues, one thing is clear — Slot is not approaching this like a manager easing into a long season. He wants the win. He wants the trophy. And if that means putting one of his most trusted players straight back into the action, so be it.
When the teams walk out onto the lush Wembley pitch, the cameras flashing, the roar of the crowd rising, the stage will be set. The first silverware of the English season will be up for grabs. And if Mac Allister is in the starting XI, it will be because his manager believes he can make the difference. Liverpool’s journey to defend their title starts here — and they want to start it with a trophy in their hands
