Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with Trent Alexander-Arnold (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool fans have clarified their views on the long-running debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position.
It’s been a big talking point ever since Alexander-Arnold burst onto the Premier League scene. His ability to go forward and make defensive passes and play precise crosses has never been in question.
He had 13 league assists in Liverpool’s title-winning season, second only to Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and had nearly 80 more assists than anyone else.
However, his defensive qualities have come under scrutiny. Former right-back Gary Neville has called Alexander-Arnold a “liability” in the past and criticized his defense as a “schoolboy defence”. Roy Keane was equally damning, saying the right-back hadn’t improved at all in defence.
Reds supporters have now voted – with a figure of 3,419 in a special ECHO poll – on how they believe the Liverpool-born player’s best position is determined. Overall, 78% of fans think Alexander-Arnold plays best in midfield, while 13% think his best position is at right-back.
Marcel, however, praised his offensive prowess, describing his forward play as “sensational”. Still, he believes it’s too late for the defender to be a world-class midfielder and has suggested a switch to full-back could be an option. It comes after Jurgen Klopp’s experience with Alexander-Arnold since the draw against Arsenal two weeks ago.
Klopp used Alexander-Arnold at the back against the league leaders ahead of a back three of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. This system has been used successfully by Manchester City and Arsenal this season. Klopp said after that game: “That’s what we did before putting Trent on. Today under construction Trent played more indoors. Double six is like that.
“Of course, you have to get used to it. I would say it’s a big step up in a game against Arsenal. I thought he did well. It wasn’t the first time, but not for a while, we’ve been performing it.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the switch to midfield should be a permanent move to ensure the right-back gets the most out of him. Alexander-Arnold again played as part of a ‘double six’ in the 6-1 win over Leeds and Carragher believes the position is ‘almost perfect’ for him – claiming only Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne, can, split defensive passes can play better.
Current Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has hailed his teammate’s versatility. He said: “Trent is someone who is really good on the ball, with his quality of passing and his search for players behind him.
We can really use it. In this position, of course, he’ll have less time to think, but I think he’s a bit used to this position.
Even when he was playing at right back, he likes to go down a bit and move into the centre.
We can use his passing quality. In the last game he gave two assists and was very good, not only in passing, but also in his reaction.”
Despite praise for his mid-park abilities, ex-Liverpool player Graeme Souness believes Alexander-Arnold should remain at right-back because he is better at catching the ball than playing in a crowded midfield.
It remains to be seen where Klopp sees Alexander-Arnold’s future. Liverpool’s midfield is aging and has been injured this season. The Reds have pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and while fans have expressed their desire for the club to sign World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, Klopp could be open to a more permanent move to midfield for the Liverpool Academy graduate.
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