Trent Alexander-Arnold: A New Role for England’s Number 10
Introduction
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a mainstay in the Liverpool team for the past few years, but he is now being given a new role in the England team. The 24-year-old full-back-cum-midfielder was given the number 10 shirt for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta and showed what he is capable of with a goal from 25 yards. This article will explore how Alexander-Arnold has adapted to his new role and how it could benefit England in the future.
Alexander-Arnold’s Role in the England Team
Alexander-Arnold has been given a new role in the England team under Gareth Southgate, playing in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson. This is not a completely new concept for the Liverpool player, as he has played in this position before in a September 2021 qualifier against Andorra. However, in Ta’Qali, Alexander-Arnold showed his true potential with pinpoint crosses and lofted balls, energy and skill in possession and a superb goal from 25 yards.
When asked whether this was a position he could see his future in, Alexander-Arnold said it felt “natural” and that it was somewhere he could see himself playing. He also said that it was important for him to take any opportunity he gets to prove himself.
Alexander-Arnold’s Role at Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold has been playing a similar role at Liverpool towards the end of the 2022-23 club season. Manager Jurgen Klopp has unleashed him to effectively play as a free-roaming attacking midfielder when in possession with impressive results. This caught the attention of Southgate, who allowed him to play with similar creativity against Malta.
The Benefits of Alexander-Arnold’s New Role
Alexander-Arnold’s new role allows England to exploit his long-range shooting ability, usually only seen at free-kicks. His link-up play with Bukayo Saka was also impressive, as he played a part in the eighth-minute opener. Former England midfielder Joe Cole said “everything good that England have done has come through him” after an eye-catching first-half display.
Rob Green also praised Alexander-Arnold’s performance, saying he had been given the freedom to create options and space. He added that Alexander-Arnold gives England something different and that he can make things happen and understands space in midfield.
Conclusion
Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown that he is capable of adapting to his new role in the England team and that it could benefit them in the future. His performance against Malta was impressive and he has been praised by former England players for his creativity and understanding of space. It remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold will remain England’s number 10 for the future, but it is clear that he has the potential to be a key player for them.