Matthew Upson is sceptical about Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold being deployed in midfield
Mathew Upson warned England against playing Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield due to his lack of positional experience. Despite delivering a strong performance in the first game of the Euro 2024 against Serbia, Trent has continued to face criticism.
Many experts have voiced their scepticism about Trent playing as a midfielder while pinpointing his defensive contributions to the team. Furthermore, many have raised concerns that Trent is new to the midfield role and he could unbalance the starting eleven.
The 25-year-old is the best playmaker in the England squad and Gareth Southgate has used him alongside Declan Rice. Despite his passing abilities, many British pundits have shunned his importance while highlighting the need for a more defensive-minded midfielder.
Speaking to Luckyblock.com (via the Mirror), Upson highlighted the instinctive reaction that midfielders need which Trent could lack right now. He said:
“Decisions that happen on the pitch; it’s almost not a thought process. It’s just an instinct. Players like Rice have done thousands of minutes now playing that role. Week in, week out, knows every scenario, knows that when he loses the ball there, he’s got to get there. When the ball goes over his head on that angle, he fills in that hole, it’s like an onboard computer. And that’s my only concern in that he [Trent] hasn’t had that exposure to that position. I think it’s exciting and interesting to see where it will go with him, but we’re in the very early stages of him playing those minutes. I think that’s the biggest question mark as England hopefully get through the group stage.”
Trent played as a central midfielder during his academy career at Liverpool before earning a promotion to the senior team. Under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, the England international played as a right-back, establishing himself as a first-team regular.
Trent won multiple major trophies like the Premier League and the Champions League under Klopp, playing a pivotal role. Critics targeted the Englishman for his defensive weaknesses, which the Reds’ poor form at times only highlighted.
Trent leaves a lot of space as he focuses more on the creative and attacking phases of the game. Furthermore, he is vulnerable against high-quality tricky wingers in one-on-one duels and requires shielding from his teammates.
As a midfielder, he must shield the backline and cover the spaces between midfield and the defence. While Upson made a strong point that certain instincts come with experience, Trent’s experience as a fullback gives him a unique advantage.
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The Englishman possesses a keen understanding of the requirements of fullbacks and defence from their deep-lying midfielders. English experts should be championing Trent as one of the most exceptional talents of his generation, leveraging his renowned on-ball skills, instead of constantly criticizing his weaknesses.
