Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold is embracing his new role as a midfielder and learning from a variety of top Premier League midfielders to improve his performance.
Alexander-Arnold, The versatile 25-year-old, who usually plays as a right-back, has been used as a midfielder for Liverpool this season during possession play and continues to switch to right-back when the opposition has the ball. He played in a similar role for England during their 1-0 victory over Australia.
Arnold has played in a new hybrid role for Liverpool and England this season
Having struggled to secure a regular spot as a right-back for England, manager Gareth Southgate has hinted that Alexander-Arnold may have a more significant role in midfield. Arnold is committed to adapting to this new role and is learning from various top players.
In a post-match interview with Channel 4 after the Australia game, Alexander-Arnold mentioned, “I’ve always felt that I play the game a little differently from anyone else, with my skill set. I take inspiration from different players. I greatly admire De Bruyne’s playing style.
James Maddison excels at receiving the ball in tight spaces. Even training alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, I observe what they do, ask them questions, and don’t hesitate to learn from them. It doesn’t matter that they are younger than me; if it helps me become a better player, then that’s a win.”
Gareth Southgate has hinted that Alexander-Arnold may have a more significant role in midfield
Alexander-Arnold’s first-time ball led to England’s winning goal against Australia, as Ollie Watkins tapped in Jack Grealish’s scuffed shot at the far post.
While people may question his best position, Alexander-Arnold emphasizes that it doesn’t matter to him whether he plays in midfield or as a full-back. He stated,
“I don’t know my best position. It doesn’t matter if I’m a midfielder or a full-back. I’m a player who wants to control the tempo and needs to be on the ball as much as possible to do that.”
Alexander-Arnold will look to maintain his place in the team when England faces Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier. England seeks to avenge their defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, which Italy won on penalties.
