Most Albion fans actually prefer him in a double pivot with Caicedo. They receive the ball from Dunk or the keeper generally, and it’s how we break the lines. He is extremely press resistant and dogged. However, post World Cup, having played as a ten through the tournament and controlled over an hour of a World Cup final, he has played exclusively in that position for us.
De Zerbi said in a press conference it’s where Mac Allister wants to play, and that has dictated his selection there.
His shooting is often wayward, and should’ve had four or five more goals but for poor finishing. That said, he really can pick a pass and runs for days. He has tenacity, desire and excellent close control. His vision is a strength and he is of moderate pace. He doesn’t get skinned when defending and positional shape is superb.
Mac is a trier. He doesn’t have the genius moments of De Bruyne, he is a player who is greater than the sum of his parts.
I would be hesitant to build a team around him, unlike Caicedo, who looks genuinely elite and this is borne out through his stats.
I really like Ale, he is a great cog in the machine - but I’d sell him before losing Caicedo, Mitoma, Ferguson and even March and Dunk. I think he’s one of the more replaceable members of our team.
Good player, won’t let you down wherever he goes. Not elite on his own, but alongside Caicedo or Casemiro holds his own.
Would be an upgrade at number ten on Fernandes (in my opinion).