Jurgen Klopp shuts down talks of a midfield switch for Liverpool maestro Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp firmly ruled out a permanent midfield transition for standout fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold in the aftermath of his latest match-turning intervention against Fulham.
Speaking after Alexander-Arnold fired another crucial late goal against Fulham, this time from a central position, Klopp was unequivocal that the England man’s role will remain dictated by team needs rather than personal preference. He bluntly told the reporters in a press conference covered by the BBC when asked if midfield could be Alexander-Arnold’s new regular station.
“He became one of the most successful players in the history of Liverpool in the recent history, playing as a right-back. He will play wherever it’s best for us and that’s just how it is and Trent sees it exactly the same way.”
While recognizing the 25-year-old’s effectiveness when unleashed centrally at times, Jurgen Klopp stressed that Alexander-Arnold accepts he will be deployed wherever most advantageous for the team.
While we cannot dismiss Trent’s prowess in the middle of the park, it will count for little if the right back spot is left to fend for itself. Either cover has to be brought in January or Trent will need to start in the role, moving to central areas if and when the situation permits.
“He wants to play and from my point of view he has to be influential and we have to make sure we help him with the positioning.”
That versatility and selflessness are large reasons Liverpool boast such a potent threat from right-back. But Alexander-Arnold’s importance in his original position means talk of him abandoning it altogether will remain hypothetical.
As Klopp bluntly summarized, the Reds will simply use Trent Alexander-Arnold “wherever it’s best for us.” And the player himself accepts that way of thinking.
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So while midfield cameos may continue, calls for Alexander-Arnold to turn his back completely on right-back can be shelved. He will fill whichever need Liverpool have on any given matchday – just as the situation demands.
