Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new position isn’t “written in stone”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new position isn’t “written in stone”

Having played Trent Alexander-Arnold in a more central position, Jurgen Klopp said that while he “fits” at his right-back, nothing is “set in stone”.

In the past two games, Alexander-Arnold has found himself sliding more often than staying on the touchline.

It’s not unusual for the right-back to occupy more central positions, having played as a midfielder in the youth academy, but this new system change is a definite change when Liverpool are in possession.

Klopp insisted the 24-year-old’s position is not “set in stone”, but he admitted he has “the potential to play there”.

The boss explained how “this somewhat advanced role at the moment suits him very well”.

Statistics support Klopp’s claim like

Alexander-Arnold has made more successful passes (124) against Leeds than in any other game of his career, and has also had the second most touches by a Premier League player in a game this season (153).

Although the scouser played “really well”, Klopp said it was still “a challenge for everyone else to cover the spaces”.

As mentioned above, the move to the Alexander-Arnold infield isn’t entirely unheard of, and Klopp said he only has “a week” to work on the adjustment. He added that the role is “a bit different, but not massively different from others where Trent hasn’t always been a right-back.

“He’s a smart player, but it’s about how we organize it around him in the moments when we lose the ball, in different formations,” the coach continued.

“If Trent shows up there tomorrow, we’ll see. It’s not the solution to all the problems in football this year, but he has the potential to play there, that’s clear.

“It’s very good, we’ll see where it goes.”

Alexander-Arnold’s teammate Fabinho was also delighted with the new role at full-back, which saw the two sit side by side ahead of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. “Trent is someone who is really good on the ball, with his passing quality and finding players at the back. We can really use him,” Fabinho told the club’s official website.

“Obviously in this position he will have less time to think, but I think he is a bit used to being in this position.”

Also.. 

CASE OVER! – Liverpool already have two players in sight for transfer rebuild as ‘next Bellingham alternative ‘

Liverpool may already have two options ahead of the summer makeover, while the Reds may already have new Jew Bellingham in their sights.

Liverpool’s dwindling hopes of securing Champions League football could build on tomorrow’s outing at Anfield as they prepare to host Arsenal.

After returning from the international break last weekend, their fortunes certainly haven’t improved as defeat to Manchester City and a lackluster draw with Chelsea left their chances of a place in the top four in the league. Premier League hanging by a thread.

And it doesn’t get any easier when leaders head to Merseyside. Liverpool will have to tear up the forms book if they are to secure the victory their season desperately needs at this stage with 10 games remaining. Things already look pretty bleak for their hopes for European football next season – even the Europa League doesn’t look certain at this stage – and the focus could already be on the summer transfer window.

A major overhaul is undoubtedly on the horizon and the subject was touched on in two of our stories today, looking at two of the options already in place while touting a promising young prospect.

Two signatures already at the heart of the conversion

Anyone with a red conviction is probably counting the days until the summer transfer window opens, which is how this season has gone.

There will be plenty of work for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool once they are given the green light to refresh their squad. Jude Bellingham has priority, of course, but a lot more is needed alongside the Borussia Dortmund superstar. But while a squad overhaul is undoubtedly needed, Klopp may already have a few pieces that could help him turn things around, whether or not his team has the Champions League for next season.

Two players brought from Liverpool to Anfield last summer, Fábio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay, could be key players.

‘Next Bellingham’ already in sight

As mentioned, Bellingham is the ultimate prize for Liverpool this summer. It certainly won’t be easy and it will take a lot of money and effort to fend off Manchester City and Real Madrid, but the England international is seen as key to solving many of the Reds’ problems.

It’s easy to forget that Bellingham is only 19, such is his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. And it’s a credit to his first club, Birmingham City, who have apparently been on the production line of top talent.

The latest to be touted for the top is George Hall, who is already being talked about as a target for Liverpool. At just 18 and with an attractive price tag to boot, the Reds could already be well on their way to finding the next Bellingham