Sam Allardyce has suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold should try himself in Liverpool’s midfield and has the potential to be ‘great’ in a more advanced role.
The England international has often been criticized for his defensive ability and the former Blackburn, Bolton and West Ham manager believes Scouser’s confidence has taken a “hit” as a result.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate previously played our No. 66 in midfield for the national team, a decision that left Jurgen Klopp somewhat baffled.
“Jurgen has played him in midfield a few times before now, and I wonder if he can really go there and be great,” Allardyce told the No Tippy Tippy Football Podcast (via Rousing The Kop).
“I wouldn’t bring out that defensive side as much.
“He has the touch, and I know it’s more difficult in there than as a winger, but he’s very talented.
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“And unfortunately, he’s had a lot of confidence and I think that’s taken away from his confidence.”
Alexander-Arnold is a quality right-back, but there’s no denying that teams sometimes target the Academy graduate and he has struggled at times to defend the far post.
With our current midfield struggles, there certainly wouldn’t be any harm in trying out the Scouser in midfield.
He can shoot, pass and dribble and it could be argued that deploying him in a more central position would give him a better opportunity to showcase his talents; it’s also a position he played as he worked his way up through the age groups when he was young. .
Scottish teenager Calvin Ramsay, who joined the club from Aberdeen in the summer, is an option to replace Trent at right-back, while Joe Gomez and James Milner have also held the position previously.
We can’t see Klopp moving the Englishman into midfield anytime soon, but he’s a great option.
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