Is Alexander-Arnold’s Future at LFC Limited?
Liverpool fans have eagerly awaited Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to action, as his presence on the field undoubtedly boosts the team’s chances of success. However, recent events have reignited the debate over which position manager Jurgen Klopp should deploy him in. Before his injury, Alexander-Arnold’s impressive form, along with that of the team as a whole, seemed to answer the question definitively.
In April last year, Liverpool made a significant improvement in their lackluster 2022/23 campaign by freeing up the 25-year-old. They won seven games and drew three out of their final 10 fixtures. This positive momentum carried into the current season, with the Reds accumulating more points than any other team, except for Manchester City. In fact, they played 38 games with this tactical blueprint, amassing a total of 88 points.
Given these outstanding results, it is natural to question why anyone would suggest altering a winning strategy. However, it is worth noting that during Alexander-Arnold’s absence due to his knee injury, Liverpool managed 11 wins, two draws, and just one defeat in the 14 games he missed. This suggests that their resurgence this season can be attributed to multiple factors rather than solely relying on one player’s positional change.
Furthermore, Conor Bradley, Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, has displayed an eye-catching performance that challenges the notion that Klopp needs to adhere strictly to a specific playing style for his right-back. While Bradley may not be a better player overall than Alexander-Arnold, he has shown superiority in specific defensive aspects of the game. In the Premier League this season, Bradley has a higher percentage of tackles won, duels won, and is dribbled past less frequently per 90 minutes compared to Alexander-Arnold.
However, it is important to note that Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional passing ability sets him apart as one of the best passers in world football. This raises the question of what Klopp truly wants from his right-back and whether the trade-offs are worth it. If Alexander-Arnold starts in that position, he should be given the freedom to move into midfield whenever an opportunity arises to utilize his incredible passing range. But this comes with the drawback of leaving a vulnerability in his nominal position.
On the other hand, when Joe Gomez or Bradley have been deployed at right-back, the inversion of positions has been less pronounced. Both players are simply asked to pick their moments to join the midfield. This approach seems to provide Liverpool with greater defensive security, as it avoids consistently asking a member of the back four to leave their position.
While it is difficult to imagine Klopp abandoning this setup, especially with two more trophies at stake, there is a possibility that a new manager coming in this summer could lead to changes. Liverpool has recently shown they can adapt and win in different ways, which may result in Alexander-Arnold bidding farewell to the position he has called home for so long.