Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield will change Liverpool’s destiny

This is the dilemma Liverpool have with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is already one of the top fullbacks in the world, but can he soar to new heights in the midfield?

The footballing world is beginning to take note of Alexander-Arnold’s masterful play-making. Trent’s influence in Klopp’s system has seen exponential growth since he first entered the starting eleven.

Over the past two seasons, no one in the Premier League has recorded more assists than the Scouser’s 24. This has led to suggestions that the fullback deserves an even larger and more central role in Liverpool’s side as a part of the midfield.

Trent actually started his career in the academy as a midfielder and a winger. He made the move to fullback in order to improve his chances at breaking through to the first team.

However, it’s clear that the 21-year-old still has the instincts of a midfielder. His creativity is not what you would expect from a natural fullback as he is streets ahead of any other defender and most midfielders going forward.

But it’s Trent’s weaknesses in defense, rather than his attacking talents, that has many calling for his move to the midfield. Since Alexander-Arnold loves to go forward, he is often out of position when the opposition are in possession, so he often gets caught out.

This, combined, with a need for improvement in the recovery and tackling department can make the fullback a liability defensively. Fortunately, Trent is still very young and doesn’t necessarily need to be a defensive stopper in Liverpool’s system.

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With a supporting cast of rising star Joe Gomez, Yashin Trophy winner Alisson Becker, and the reigning European Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk, the young fullback has the best possible insurance in case he slips up. Yet, some mistakes have still led to dangerous breakthroughs for the opposition.

Let’s say Trent does get his chance in the midfield—how will he fit in? After all, Liverpool’s three in the middle aren’t known to be influential going forward. Instead, they have a reputation for being workhorses and dominating space to the point of suffocation for the opposition, which really isn’t Trent’s game.

So, the midfield would need to be altered in order for the Scouser to fit in. Luckily, Jurgen Klopp is known to be flexible with how he sets up his midfielders. Whenever Naby Keita or Oxlade-Chamberlain are featured, they tend to have more progressive roles and the midfield is modified.

Altering the midfield to make way for Trent would also open the door for Neco Williams to get more play time. The Welshman has proven himself to be a top prospect that’s ready to take the next step with the Reds.

He has impressed every time he has gotten an opportunity with the first-team and he will only continue to improve. It would simply be a shame to see someone with the talents of Williams be wasted on the bench or with another club.

But why fix something if it isn’t broken? Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the top fullbacks in the world and Liverpool are in the midst of a record-breaking season. However, there were some struggles before the COVID-19 break which suggests that teams are starting to figure the Reds out.

So, with Liverpool potentially clinching the title as soon as the first fixture back, now is the perfect time to try out something new and experiment with Trent in the midfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is simply too talented to be constrained as a fullback for the rest of his career. He doesn’t necessarily need to be permanently moved to the midfield, but rather just be a viable option there if match-up issues occur.

This will expand the limits of not only Trent’s career, but the success of the current Liverpool dynasty.