Gary Lineker praises Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold for his incredible accomplishments
Gary Lineker lauded Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold for his achievements as a right-back but backs him for a midfield role. Lineker highlighted that Trent played as a central midfielder at the youth level and the position is his preferred choice.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp changed the tactics last season when his team struggled with form and consistency. The tactical tweak allowed Trent to drop as an inverted right-back and control the game for the Reds. The change brought success during the final stages of the last season and Trent continued his role this season.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old has featured frequently as a number six in numerous games for Liverpool this season. The England international played a pivotal role for the Reds, acting as the primary playmaker for the team.
He has dictated the tempo and possession as a number-six and the position provided him more space to distribute passes. Gareth Southgate has utilized Trent as a central midfielder for England at the international level.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast (YouTube), Lineker praised Trent and claimed that he prefers a central midfield role. He said:
“He’s also quite versatile as he can play right-back, I don’t think that’s actually his most natural position. I think he’s more of a midfield player as he was a kid. I think it was only when he got into the first team he started playing as a right-back and he’s pretty damn good at it. He was seen as the best in the world for a long time.”
Trent has achieved great success as a right-back for Liverpool since achieving the senior team promotion under Klopp. As the new chapter unfolds after the beloved manager departs during the summer, Trent could likely shift to midfield permanently.
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The England international has achieved everything from the right-back position and he has shown another layer to his ability from the midfield. The Reds could bolster the right-back spot with competition for Conor Bradley and permanently shift Trent into the midfield. The Reds would benefit from the change as they need more number six options alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic.
