Graeme Souness does not agree with the ‘arguments’ that Jurgen Klopp should move Trent Alexander-Arnold into Liverpool’s midfield. He claims the zone is too congested.
A number of fans and pundits alike have suggested that Klopp should use Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s midfield this season. The 24-year-old has delivered an underwhelming impact from his right-back role throughout the term when tested to complete his defensive duties.
Opposition forwards have had a field day at points when given the time and space to run at Alexander-Arnold. While the Reds product has also regularly occupied space in their engine room when on the ball. His sublime passing range is also the defender’s strongest attribute.
Souness wants Alexander-Arnold to stay at right-back for Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold can pick a pass like few others in the Liverpool team when able to get his head up. But questions continue to emerge about the 18-cap England international’s ability to defend. He has switched off too often and struggled to stop teams testing Allison Becker.
Yet Souness is adamant that right-back is the ‘best position’ for Alexander-Arnold to play in Klopp’s Liverpool squad. The Reds hero is steadfast in his belief that the attacking tasks the role requires better suit the £180k-a-week dynamo than featuring in a busy engine room.
Souness wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: “I have seen the arguments about Trent Alexander-Arnold being deployed as a right-sided midfielder at Liverpool because of his perceived shortcomings in defence. I don’t agree with them.
“I think Trent is better coming onto the ball from the full-back position, rather than being in the congested midfield areas.
“Full-back has always been the easiest place to play because when you receive the ball, you are looking forward at 20 players with no threat from behind.”
Klopp has already adjusted Alexander-Arnold’s role at Anfield
While Souness is adamant Alexander-Arnold should focus on playing at full-back, Klopp has already adjusted the defender’s role at Liverpool. The German has tasked the dynamo with occupying a more central position within their midfield more regularly whilst in possession.
The change saw Alexander-Arnold produce an assist against Arsenal and two against Leeds United. He had only offered two assists through the full-back’s previous 27 Premier League appearances this season. He laid on single efforts against Brentford and Newcastle United.
But while Alexander-Arnold created chances in their midfield against Arsenal, the Gunners still tested Liverpool whilst he was at right-back. The north Londoners ran him ragged over the opening half an hour. The defender then had a much easier game away at Elland Road.
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