Tottenham Hotspur’s interim boss Ryan Mason on the threats Trent Alexander-Arnold can cause in midfield
Speaking to the media ahead of the game against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ryan Mason discusses the threat of Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and how to cope with him and others.
Although both Spurs and Liverpool are outsiders in the race to finish in the top four, the winner of this game may have more of a say in potentially sneaking into fourth place, provided one of Manchester United or Newcastle United slip up.
The recent upturn in Liverpool’s form has given us hope that they can still challenge for the fourth spot. At the heart of that turn has been the change in the way Alexander-Arnold is utilised by Jurgen Klopp.
The 24-year-old now operates as a hybrid right-back cum defensive midfielder to add more presence to the midfield and use his playmaking qualities to the core. Here’s what Mason when asked about the player’s threats and more (h/t Football.London):
“Obviously we’re talking about an exceptional footballer but they’ve got many different players who can cause us problems. They’ve proven that over the years and we’re aware of that. The focus for us isn’t on one individual as it’s about stopping them as a team and also it’s about us acting as a team with the ball and hopefully hurting them as well.”
Mason is right here. The resurgence in the form of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo might be a worry for Tottenham, while Mohamed Salah continues to score goals despite being in supposed bad form.
To add to that, Liverpool’s record at Anfield has been phenomenal this season, regardless of how poor they have been on the road. Combine that with the fragility of Spurs, it makes up for a tough ask for Mason to set up a team that is difficult to get beat.
Having said all of that, one cannot bank on Klopp’s men to produce on the day, such has been their inconsistency this season. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that they turn up again and turn over the North London opponents.
More Liverpool News:
- Chelsea are planning a shock move for former Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane
- Liverpool could sign up to five players in the summer including a new defender
- Liverpool not the only club eyeing a move for Ajax Amsterdam defender Jurrien Timber
The role of Alexander-Arnold in that would be key. If he plays well, the team usually does well. He will have to be at the top of his game and help us get over the line here against Spurs. This game will define our top-four charge in May, there is no doubt about that.
