Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s place change late final season was a catalyst for the facet’s surge of kind in the direction of the end line, however many nonetheless can’t fairly become familiar with what his function entails.
With outcomes reflecting the Reds’ scarcity of confidence, Jurgen Klopp opted to experiment with a brand new form which concerned his right-back spending extra time additional up the pitch with larger freedom to precise his creativity.
The 24-year-old has already demonstrated his distinctive passing vary and skill to arrange probabilities from right-back, however momentary defensive lapses have shone a highlight on whether or not his attributes is likely to be put to higher use elsewhere.
It definitely seems that only a few gamers obtain the identical stage of media scrutiny as Alexander-Arnold does, however maybe that’s simply one thing that comes with the territory of being as gifted as he’s whereas enjoying for a high membership.
Reborn in his new function
One factor the media couldn’t query, nevertheless, was his impression throughout the closing levels of 2022/23.
New life was breathed into the unending debate about whether or not the Scouser ought to play in Liverpool’s midfield, when he nearly single-handedly carried the Reds into the highest 4 whereas working in a hybrid function between right-back and midfield.
As soon as Liverpool’s greatest artistic outlet, Alexander-Arnold had been stifled by his staff’s struggles and amassed simply two Premier League assists earlier than April.
With the shackles off and a license to roam from his supervisor, he turned a person possessed and notched six assists in a five-game interval, sparking a run of seven straight Liverpool victories in a late push for a Champions League spot.
It whet the urge for food of followers, who had been eager to see how a lot injury might be accomplished by the academy graduate ought to he characteristic additional up the pitch on a extra common foundation.
The eagerness to classify
Regardless of having time to digest the brand new system, many nonetheless look like struggling to wrap their heads round Alexander-Arnold’s place and what all of it means.
Fluidity is nothing new in soccer, however there seems to be an obsession with pigeonholing gamers into mounted positions that we will’t fairly escape from.
It has led to calls to see the right-back develop into a midfielder on a everlasting foundation and for Liverpool to look elsewhere to fill the house vacated on the again.
Legendary Reds defender Jamie Carragher is essentially the most high-profile identify to posit such, suggesting throughout an interview with Redmen TV that Liverpool is likely to be greatest served to maintain the England worldwide within the center, leaving house for his earlier slot at right-back to be taken.
“When Liverpool are on the ball, whoever you purchase, no matter you spend, they cant do greater than Trent,” Carragher stated.
A part of the rationale for the Reds’ success in the direction of the tip of the marketing campaign was the tactical self-discipline proven by Alexander-Arnold and his defensive friends, one thing which may solely enhance as soon as the gamers have a pre-season underneath their belts.
If it is a system Klopp needs to stick with, you could possibly argue that purchasing a brand new right-back solves little or no at this level.
The success of the system, in any case, comes from Alexander-Arnold persevering with to occupy the right-back spot and subsequently having the liberty to roam – a everlasting shift into midfield would negate that.
What must be of curiosity is how the Reds will function with out their No. 66 attributable to both rotation or harm, along with his qualities not simply replicated – falling again right into a 4-3-3 formation can be possible.
England confusion and future plans
It’s honest to say that Alexander-Arnold has had a sophisticated relationship along with his nationwide staff to date in his profession.
He has been inexplicably neglected of squads and racks up only a few minutes when chosen – 1,261 minutes since his debut in 2018 – regardless of being one of many nation’s most proficient property.
Gareth Southgate hinted final month that his new function for Liverpool might be tried at worldwide stage, insisting that the 2 have a “actually good relationship.”
If the person whose job it’s to seek out strategic options for the most effective gamers within the nation can’t determine it out, what hope is there for the remainder of us?
The way forward for Alexander-Arnold’s place stays unsure, however the affect he has had throughout such a short while body within the hybrid function has given supporters lots to be enthusiastic about for the close to future.
He has as soon as once more confirmed himself to be unquestionably one in every of Liverpool’s most vital gamers and may dictate the tempo of a sport when given the amenities to take action.
The Reds have gotten a gem on their palms, the essential factor shall be to make sure that not an oz of his potential goes to waste.
