Jurgen Klopp trusted Trent Alexander-Arnold to play as a number six for Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp trusted right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to slot in the middle of the park and bring more control to the midfield.
The right-back has been playing a hybrid role in the team over the last few weeks. It was an idea that the England international was exposed to around six weeks.
Speaking to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Trent revealed that with the ball, Klopp wants him to play in the number six position. The thinking behind it was to improve the Reds’ prospects in the engine room.
“We were on the training pitch when the gaffer got out the tactics sheet and showed me it. Everything was normal defensively. And then with the ball he wanted me as a second No 6.
“The idea around it, as it was explained to me, was about improving our inside play. Controlling the centre. Getting an extra player in that area. He trusted me to be able to do what I needed to do to make it work.”
The English national has struggled for form in the current campaign. Over the last few months, the full-back has been a shadow of his former self. But thankfully, the gaffer has been able to unlock the 24-year-old’s potential once again.
Trent made his way through the youth ranks at Liverpool and established himself as a regular in the first-team setup in the 2018/19 season. The English national’s creativity in the final third has been impressive since then.
In the previous campaign, the 24-year-old was once again pivotal to Klopp’s plans. The Merseysiders won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. We were also close to getting our hands on the Champions League and the Premier League titles.
Unfortunately, there has been a sudden drop-off in the entire team’s performance this season. Trent has especially been targeted by opposition attackers and he has been left exposed at the back on a number of occasions.
Defence has never been the English national’s strong suit. However, in the current campaign, the right-back’s frailties at the back have been even more noticeable. Also, until recently, the 24-year-old’s influence in the final third was also negligible this term.
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It is encouraging to see Trent thrive again. Klopp has worked his magic with the right-back. Hopefully, next season, the German manager will get the whole team back to their best.
