Trent Alexander-Arnold’s international career has been a source of curiosity and frustration for both fans and the player himself. Despite being considered one of the most talented players of his generation, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the England squad. Injuries, withdrawals, and fierce competition at right-back have limited his appearances to just 25 out of 79 games since his debut six years ago.
During the 2018 World Cup and the previous Euros, Alexander-Arnold had minimal playing time, with just one appearance in each tournament. These brief cameos amounted to only 111 minutes of playing time, all of which came when the pressure was off. As he prepares to start in England’s opening game of Euro 2024 against Serbia, there is hope that he will finally get the chance to prove himself on the international stage.
However, there is a twist. England manager Gareth Southgate has considered deploying Alexander-Arnold in midfield, a move that has drawn criticism from his club manager, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp believes that Alexander-Arnold’s talents are best utilized as a right-back and questions the decision to play him in midfield. Nevertheless, Southgate has persisted with the idea and has given Alexander-Arnold several opportunities in central midfield during recent England matches.
The debate over Alexander-Arnold’s midfield potential stems from his background as a midfielder during his time in Liverpool’s academy. Coaches believed his skills would be better suited as a full-back, but there has always been a lingering belief that his long-term future could be in midfield. Klopp’s recent use of him in a hybrid role, where he drifts into a central playmaking position, has further fueled speculation about his midfield capabilities.
The upcoming Euro 2024 matches against Serbia and Denmark will provide a true test for Alexander-Arnold’s midfield experiment. These games will be a step up in quality, intensity, and pressure compared to the qualifiers he has played in the past. The ability to control and adapt to the rhythm of the game, both in and out of possession, will be crucial for him to succeed in midfield.
The English national team has historically struggled to produce technically gifted midfielders who excel in dictating the tempo of a match. Alexander-Arnold could be the missing link that England needs in their midfield, someone who can provide the necessary control and creativity. While there are still skeptics who question his defensive abilities and suitability for a midfield role, recent performances have shown his growth and maturity as a player.
Ultimately, the decision to play Alexander-Arnold in midfield against Serbia carries a certain level of risk. His experience in midfield, especially against high-quality opposition, is limited. However, Southgate’s willingness to experiment with him in this role shows his determination to find a way to incorporate Alexander-Arnold’s unique talents into the team.
As Alexander-Arnold prepares to take center stage at Euro 2024, he hopes to finally make his mark on the international stage. Whether he succeeds or not remains to be seen, but the potential is there for him to become a key player in England’s midfield and redefine the nation’s approach to the position.