‘I’ve been saying this for years’ – Gary Lineker sends message to Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool beat Leeds
Liverpool surged to a 6-1 win over Leeds United with Trent Alexander-Arnold adding two assists as he continues to thrive in his new role
Gary Lineker has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield after the Liverpool full-back scored two more goals in a 6-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Following his contribution to the save against Arsenal, Alexander-Arnold provided three assists in two games at Elland Road on Monday night as he continues to thrive in his new roving role between midfield and defence.
The 24-year-old’s performance is often the subject of debate among pundits and his change of stance has sparked much debate. However, the Match of the Day presenter and former Everton forward has called for the Reds to build on England’s strengths.
In a tweet, Lineker said: “I’ve been saying this for years, I’d love to see @TrentAA play in midfield on a regular basis. It’s the position he grew up playing in. He plays to your strengths.”
The new tactical adjustment saw Alexander-Arnold make 153 touches against Leeds, making 124 accurate passes, with a passing accuracy of 91%.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has discussed the change of role and was delighted with the academy graduate’s performance. Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp said: “He’s both (to help out on offense and defence). Because he’s Trent, he’s both. Of course I think Darwin’s (Nunez) goal is an outstanding pass and in the first half one pass for Mo (Salah), one for Hendo (Jordan Henderson), stuff like that, so yeah he can be the two.
“In general we also need to be better protected because we conceded too many counter-attacks, lost the ball at the wrong time and Trent played a very good game and when we lost the ball the reaction was different again.
“And we didn’t lose so many balls because we were calm on the ball. The one we lost at the wrong time was the goal we conceded, we have to be able to defend everyone and the formation works a lot best for us.” Yes.”
Diogo Jota ended years of waiting for a goal with a brace as Mohamed Salah netted twice, while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez also netted in the Leeds win.