TOULOUSE, FRANCE – Thursday, November 9, 2023: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and #039; during the UEFA Europa League Group E fourth match between Toulouse FC and Liverpool FC at Toulouse Stadium. Toulouse won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
November 10, 2023
Jurgen Klopp has added to the debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role in the squad, admitting Liverpool could lose “one of their best right-backs” in midfield.
“Why make the best right midfielder in the world,” Klopp asked in 2021 when Gareth Southgate wore number 66 in one of his first midfield trials.
We’ve seen Alexander-Arnold’s role evolve over the years, especially last year when he was repositioned to help Liverpool’s struggling midfield, and it worked. He was creative and made the team tick when they stood up. However, he hasn’t been as involved or under threat this season, and Klopp’s latest comments about the right-back in midfield are enlightening.
“Yes, a chance [to play in midfield],” the manager said of Alexander-Arnold’s placement at the pre-Brentford press conference, which This Is Anfield believes took place before the Toulouse defeat.
– It depends on the situation, the opponent and many things. We know he can play there. “If we put him there, we lose one of the best right-backs in the world, so at least we don’t have to completely forget about it.”
“Of course he is the choice of the place.”
It’s one thing to be an option and another to use it effectively, with the No.66 no longer providing width down the right and leading the team forward, which is even more noticeable in Andy Robertson’s absence.
The pair were once the creative center of Liverpool, but now there is a strong argument for him to more easily return to a more “typical” position, so that Liverpool does not lose the qualities of “one of the best right-backs in the world”
That Klopp recognizes what the Reds could lose on the right with Alexander-Arnold in midfield says a lot, but his role remains unchanged this campaign.
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