Alexander-Arnold & Clyne in open battle for right back role
By David Gate
There is an open battle at Liverpool FC for the starting right back position. Nathaniel Clyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold are battling to win the role.
If the preseason game against Tranmere got us thinking then the game at Wigan has us sure. There is a full battle for the right back spot in Jurgen Klopp’s first team plans.
The team sheet for Liverpool’s game at Prenton Park had the look of a first team but instead of Nathaniel Clyne in the right back berth there was Trent Alexander-Arnold. Clyne was not injured and featured in the second half. The team at Wigan had Coutinho and Lallana return and the first appearance of Mohamed Salah. A very strong side. Once again Trent Alexander-Arnold was the starting right back with Clyne appearing in the second half.
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Over the two games the youngster looks the better performer. Preseason is not always the best judge of players ability as they are not hitting 100% yet. But if there is a real battle for that position then Clyne looks to be second on current form and understanding.
Only last week Trent Alexander-Arnold signed a 5 year extension to his current contract; taking him all the way to 2022. You don’t hand out contracts like that to young players if you don’t think they are going to feature in the first team somehow.
It is likely that Alexander-Arnold will start against teams who sit back as he offers more pace, creativity and attack than Clyne. If he performs well in those games, and carries out his defensive duties with distinction, he could find himself as the fixture of the right back role for the foreseeable future. All eyes will be on the next preseason team sheet as we head to Hong Kong to play in the Asia Trophy.