![]() ![]() Liverpool’s last Premier League away game was against Luton Town when they were fortunate to escape with a draw. My worry is even against weaker sides this has not been right. Where Klopp and his coaching staff have a match-defining tactical puzzle against a side of City’s class is maintaining the right balance between Trent’s attacking and defensive duties. Whether he spends most of his time on the right delivering pinpoint crosses, or plays more centrally and uses his tremendous repertoire of passing skills, he is one of the most technically gifted players in Europe. Wherever Alexander-Arnold operates he will be influential against most Premier League sides, especially when Liverpool are dominant on the ball. His talent has never been an issue ensuring the weapon of his right foot is spoken about before and after the biggest games more than the flaw of his one-to-one defending is. He is one of Klopp’s ‘untouchables’ alongside Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, among the biggest reasons why Liverpool have revived themselves so quickly after last season’s deterioration. Whatever Klopp’s short-term and long-term visions for the team, Alexander-Arnold is fundamental. ![]() Nobody knows the player better than the Liverpool manager and you cannot argue with the overall impact. Klopp, however, remains convinced his vice-captain operates best as a roaming right-back, his signing four midfielders last summer proof that he is unmoved by suggestions that Alexander-Arnold was a ready-made-solution during last summer’s central reshuffle. An exciting, balanced midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Alexander-Arnold can take the national team close to winning Euro 2024. ![]() Although England were not great against Malta and North Macedonia, there was plenty to like about Alexander-Arnold’s performances, especially in the first game. Southgate demonstrated his foresight when identifying this a few years ago, initially criticised for using Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder. It is hard enough doing one job to a world-class level against City, let alone two. What other playmakers in the world are expected to run the game from midfield with the ball, only to go chasing speedy left wingers without it? Whether he is facing Jérémy Doku or Jack Grealish on Saturday, the expectation for Alexander-Arnold to deliver at both ends of the pitch is massive. “You probably get more out of me from being in the middle and I’m able to show off that skillset as much as possible.” “My specific skillset and what I’m best at is someone who plays in the middle,” he said. ![]() His comments while on international duty were striking. My suspicion is that the player prefers it that way, with hints he would rather his dual role ended. When Gareth Southgate names him in his squad, he is listed as a midfielder not a defender. Is Trent a full-back or midfielder? For Liverpool he is both, but that puts a huge responsibility upon him, especially against opponents such as City.įor his country, Alexander-Arnold’s days as a right-back already seem to be over. For his club, what initially looked like a compromise has become a permanent solution. The signs and results over the last seven months are encouraging. Liverpool have lost just one of their 23 Premier League games since losing to City, and that was not a legitimate defeat given the trip to Tottenham Hotspur included a legal Luis Díaz goal which was controversially disallowed.įacing City with Trent deployed in a position Guardiola has since moved on from – he uses John Stones as a ‘hybrid centre-back’ when he can nowadays – represents the ultimate test as to whether Klopp has found the answer to a recurring question how to maximise Alexander-Arnold’s attacking strengths without exposing defensive weaknesses. The team’s recovery since then speaks for itself and explains why they return to the Etihad with such high hopes. Liverpool’s ‘Trent System’ was effectively conceived in Manchester. ![]()
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