Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to offer Alexis Mac Allister a new contract as the Argentine continues his impressive form this season, with the Liverpool legend full of praise for the midfielder following his goal against Crystal Palace.

Steven Gerrard has called on Liverpool to hand Alexis Mac Allister a fresh deal following the Argentine's outstanding form, which continued during Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace.

The World Cup champion broke the deadlock for the Reds en route to a 3-1 triumph and has now featured 16 times this campaign, contributing five goals and one assist. After enduring a difficult spell last term under Arne Slot, Mac Allister has rediscovered his best form to emerge as one of Liverpool's standout performers under Andoni Iraola this season.

However, despite his current excellence, questions persist over his long-term future, with his existing deal not due to run out until 2028.

Mac Allister has publicly stated on multiple occasions in recent weeks that he wishes to remain at Anfield but has been informed by club officials that the Reds are not presently positioned to provide him with an extension.

Liverpool icon Gerrard has expressed his desire to see the club retain the midfielder, while offering his own explanation for the Argentine's difficulties last season.

"I've loved him this season," he said on The Overlap Daily, brought to you by Sky Bet. "I think last year, like a lot of the Argentinian players, they had a bit of a distraction with the World Cup coming up.

"It's the way they are. The World Cup takes over everything in their lives. And I lived that with Emiliano Martínez when I was at Aston Villa. I just think it becomes a priority.

"I think it becomes a bit of a distraction. It becomes the most important thing in their lives, to be ready and not injured and make sure that the national team is the priority. So, I think with a lot of the Argentina players, I'm sure a lot of managers, if they watch this, will say: 'Yeah, I've experienced that.'

"But in terms of what I've seen this season, I think Alexis Mac Allister deserves a new deal, and I want Liverpool to keep him, because he's a clever footballer."

Gerrard continued: "He's a competitor, he's aggressive, he knows the game, his understanding of the game's top.

"He's fantastic in the air, fantastic in the air for a little fella. I think there's only really Michael Owen I've seen, who's a similar size, who's probably better than him in the air, but he's a threat at set pieces.

"He's helpful defending set pieces, and he's brave, and he just knows the game. He's got a good understanding.

"He's an experienced player. I wouldn't want Liverpool to lose him now. I think he's been key to the midfield, and I felt like Liverpool as a team were a little bit soft in the opening games of the season.

"I see a bit more fight now and a bit more spirit and a bit more of a competitive side to this Liverpool team. I think we can get better, but I'm happy with Mac Allister and his form."

Meanwhile, Mac Allister revealed he has not abandoned hope of securing a contract extension, speaking in the aftermath of the win against Crystal Palace.

"There's still time. The fans don't need to worry," he told AS. "It's going to depend on how I perform during these years. I'm going to give 100% and, hopefully, maybe they (the board) will change their minds.

"I had some very good years at Liverpool. I remember the year we won the Premier League, which was a very good year. Also, the first year with Jurgen (Klopp), playing perhaps in a new position I wasn't used to.

"Overall, apart from last year, they were very good years. The important thing is that I'm playing well now, that I feel good, and that I hope I can continue like this."