Trent Alexander-Arnold has accidentally created a new Thiago Alcantara selection dilemma for Jurgen Klopp 

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the key cog in Liverpool’s revamped 3-2-5 but the line-up could mean random problems for Thiago Alcântara.

Liverpool showed new form against Arsenal last weekend, with Jürgen Klopp looking to add new rotations to his usual 4-3-3 system. Little has changed in the Reds’ behavior on the defensive end of the game, but the players formed an unorthodox 3-2-5 on the ball.

Alexander-Arnold started the shift, when he was asked to move into central midfield from his usual right-back spot to play alongside Fabinho, while Andy Robertson moved from left-back to form a back three alongside Virgil van Dike and Ibrahima Konate.

As a result of Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho making impromptu midfield runs twice at times, their deeper positioning allowed Klopp’s two number eights – Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones – to step onto the pitch. Both have basically been tasked with playing as attacking midfielders, which is a pretty drastic change from what they used to do and could disrupt Thiago Alcântara’s game once he’s back in full swing. form.

The Spain international recently returned after spending months on the sidelines and Klopp is more than happy to have him available. In his Friday morning press conference ahead of the game against Leeds United, the German manager said: “He’s super important, he’s been out for a long time too. He can demand pace, as we all know. That’s a top player and we are happy to have him back.”

In fact, the Italian-born conductor is one of the best at dictating the game on the pitch. He is the controller of Liverpool in many ways and in recent years he has been given a midfield role which has allowed him to become such an authoritative presence in red.

Thiago is usually deployed as Klopp’s left number eight and when in that role he mostly stays in the central third of the pitch, helping his defensive teammates when it comes to getting stronger from behind and also finding Mohamed Salah like-minded with penetrating passes. the last third.

It’s fair to suggest that Thiago is Anfield’s best midfielder at the moment, but the recent move to a 3-2-5 formation could have a major impact on his role and could present Klopp with a tricky conundrum.

Liverpool adopted a new 3-2-5 pattern on Sunday afternoon when in possession against Arsenal (Image: Premier League)

Number eight in that 3-2-5 formation, Thiago was expected to move up the ranks, as Jones and Henderson did against Arsenal last weekend, with Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho behind him. The 32-year-old certainly has the technical quality to perform further down the pitch but may not be maximizing his strengths.

Rather than go deeper and help Liverpool build their game by gaining a foothold and controlling the game, Thiago was expected to perform in the final third, around forwards such as Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder is a special talent, but he’s not the kind of player who scores goals and assists, and he admitted as much in a recent interview with Walk On magazine, according to ECHO. “For the best players in the world – and I don’t have that – it’s about trying to score 40 goals a season,” he said. ball 30 meters in front of me. Sometimes I envy him.

Thiago is gifted enough to still deserve to be included, but in Liverpool’s new 3-2-5 formation he should certainly not feature as part of the attacking five bench. He naturally seems more suited to the demands of the two, but if he wants to play there Fabinho should probably be left on the bench.

Some supporters would argue that it’s a relatively nice problem for Klopp – as he suggests he has options on Merseyside – but it’s a problem nonetheless. With Leeds United hosting the Reds this weekend, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool stick to the new deal.

“We have to see who fits in other games, sometimes we can, sometimes we can’t,” Klopp said when asked about the 3-2-5 in his pre-game press conference. If Thiago starts, he’s likely hoping for Liverpool’s popular 4-3-3 comeback.

Also..

Liverpool have a new top transfer target after Jude Bellingham deal  failure – Klopp is a ‘big’ fan

Liverpool have made Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister their top midfield target this summer after pulling out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, sources have told Football Insider.
It was widely reported by Football Insider and others this week that the Reds have ended their pursuit of Bellingham, but Jurgen Klopp is still keen to rebuild his midfield department in the transfer window.

Mac Allister, 24, has now emerged as one of the Merseyside club’s top targets, with Klopp a ‘big admirer’ of his versatility, sources say.

Ahead of Liverpool’s encounter with Brighton this season, Klopp heaped praise on Mac Allister and his midfield partner Moises Caicedo – “It’s hugely important how you defend the front line against Brighton, they’re so good with Caicedo and MacAllister.”

The Brighton star is seen by Liverpool’s recruitment team as a cheaper alternative to Bellingham, but remains a player who can bring energy and creativity.

Liverpool are confident they can lure Mac Allister out of the Amex Stadium this summer and have been backed by comments from the player’s father. Receive exclusive transfer information on the Football Insider YouTube channel

“Clubs are starting to call us about Alexis, but there are no concrete discussions at the moment,” said Carlos, Mac Allister’s father.

“We will decide with Brighton, they deserve respect. We will choose the best project, also based on the coach – it’s not about the money.”

Mac Allister has been key to the Seagulls’ success this season, with the world champions scoring 10 goals and assisting twice this season to help Brighton move up to seventh in the Premier League table.