Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Position: A Debate That Persists
After Liverpool’s draw against Man City, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position has once again become a topic of discussion. The No. 66 secured a point for his team with a brilliant late strike, overshadowing Erling Haaland’s early opener at the Etihad.
Midfield Potential?
Alexander-Arnold’s recent performances in midfield for England sparked speculation about whether he could play in that role for his club. However, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher disagrees and firmly believes that Alexander-Arnold will always be a right-back under Jurgen Klopp’s management.
“I don’t think Jurgen Klopp will ever play him in midfield”@Carra23 discusses Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role in the Liverpool side ? pic.twitter.com/Hl1GzTlWIs
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 25, 2023
Carragher acknowledges Alexander-Arnold’s skill set, which aligns with that of a midfield player. However, he points out that the young player struggles with one-on-one defending and believes Klopp will never deploy him in midfield. On the other hand, Gareth Southgate sees Alexander-Arnold as a valuable asset in the middle of the park.
Carragher suggests that Liverpool should consider acquiring a top-quality right-back, especially for challenging away games. This would allow Alexander-Arnold to push forward while someone else handles the one-on-one battles with wingers, potentially leading to progress for the team.
Alexander-Arnold’s Hybrid Role
Since Klopp shifted Alexander-Arnold into a hybrid role between right-back and midfield earlier this year, the player has enjoyed more time further up the pitch. He has already recorded six assists in his first five games in this position, becoming an even greater creative outlet for the Reds.
Despite impressive performances for England in midfield, there is no indication that Klopp sees it as a viable option in the near future. Alexander-Arnold’s understudy at right-back, Conor Bradley, has been sidelined with a back injury since pre-season.
While it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will invest in the right-back position in upcoming transfer windows, it seems that Alexander-Arnold’s future as Liverpool’s vice-captain will continue to be at right-back for now.