Thomas Frank has backed the call for Jurgen Klopp to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for Liverpool after his showing against Leeds United on Monday night.
The Brentford boss thinks Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been tucking into the middle of the park from right-back in recent games, could have a ‘future’ in that position.
For years and years, many have been calling for the 24-year-old to play as a number six or eight.
But Klopp has always kept the England international in his usual right-back role, where he has still managed to make the ball talk like nobody else, other than, Kevin de Bruyne.
That was during a period when Liverpool would dominate, it’s not the case now, so should Alexander-Arnold be pushed into midfield to help solve the club’s issues in that area?
Well, Thomas Frank certainly thinks so, as he also debunked suggestions that the England international can’t defend, as he told Premier League Productions (17/04/23 at 10:20 pm).
“Totally agree (a temptation to play Trent in midfield),” said Frank. “I was sitting here thinking ‘maybe play him as a right-back, but when they are in possession play him as a six or an eight’.
“Play him there (at right-back) against a team they know they will control and dominate, but against the better teams, play him in midfield. I think the future for Trent could be in the midfield. I understand how they want to play and all of that. He is doing a lot of things.
“There are a lot of so-called experts, not me, that Trent should defend better. It’s also a little bit down to the way Liverpool play, which if they are top, then they are, for me, unplayable. One of the best teams in the world, as they have consistently shown over the last few years.
“But he is there so advanced, there are so big gaps that they have to defend. Jurgen said, (against Leeds) there wasn’t one situation where Robertson and Trent were one v one. There is always doubling up. Always someone down to help. I think that’s key as well.”
LIVERPOOL STILL NEED MIDFIELDERS
There is no doubt that, for the long-term, Klopp should look to play Trent in the middle of the park and possibly bring in another first-choice right-back.
That would help solve the issues heading into next season, but new faces would still need to be brought in.
Yes, the Reds could still secure Champions League football and end the season in a strong manner, but the performances this season still can’t be ignored and they need to be resolved.
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