Jürgen Klopp already offered four Liverpool hints that showed Trent Alexander-Arnold masterplan

Although Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder is a hot topic at the moment, Jürgen Klopp moved Liverpool away from that possibility in the summer with four signings.

Calls have grown for Trent Alexander-Arnold to play in midfield for Liverpool (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The last two weekends in the Premier League have presented Liverpool with two difficult tests. The Reds lost both of their away matches against Manchester City and their home match against Fulham at Anfield until a certain superstar came on and turned things around.

Both of the match’s pivotal goals were scored by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who first scored an equalizer against Pep Guardiola’s team and contributed to a strong 1-1 draw against the champions before netting a thrilling winner against the Cottagers on Sunday afternoon. Both goals were scored after the 80th minute.

Supporters and commentators are now fervently debating whether the England international ought to play midfield for Liverpool full-time as a result of his crucial goal contributions. Although he has been in the middle of the park more often in the last six months, his primary position is still right-back.

Many people think Alexander-Arnold ought to be used in the engine room at all times because he obviously has what it takes to perform in the last third. Gary Lineker and Jermaine Jenas are two of those believers, and Match of the Day frequently discusses the subject.

Alexander-Arnold has been a midfield player for England under Gareth Southgate’s leadership. The Scouse defender discussed the move in the summer, saying (via Liverpool’s official website): “I really enjoy playing in the middle of the pitch.” You know I would enjoy playing there in the upcoming season, but where I play is not up to me. It’s a place where I find joy and I’m enjoying the challenge of the two.”

Supporters are currently very interested in Alexander-Arnold’s future role. Jürgen Klopp was asked this very question during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, and he responded, “It’s just about us.” “What are our resources? Is Joey González present? Is that Conor Bradley present? We always knew that Trent could play midfield, yes. However, Trent is also very good in the role we have given him right now, so that’s how it is.

“We’ll see. He needs to have influence in a variety of fields if he wants to be good because it only improves us. That’s basically it if he plays well, which he clearly did in the previous game. We play him where we believe he will benefit the most. Without a doubt, he can play more indoors. It’s just the way it is; he will play where it suits us the best.”

Klopp’s remarks are important. The German is correct in saying that someone else would have to fill in for Alexander-Arnold at right-back if he didn’t play that position. A center-back by trade, Joe Gomez, and the unproven Conor Bradley are the only options available to Liverpool outside of the number 66.

Alexander-Arnold could help the Reds as a full-time midfielder, but if the high-profile tactical idea is enforced, especially in attack, the Anfield team as a whole could effectively become weaker. It makes sense to argue that if Gomez and Bradley were to start for Liverpool each and every week, they would both need to get better.

Additionally, Klopp dropped four hints on supporters during the summer. He added four new midfielders during the transfer window: Wataru Endō, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch. So far this season, each of them has significantly improved the midfield.

Alexander-Arnold could have spent more time in the middle of the park if he had signed three midfielders and one right-back, but he chose not to, and his actions in the transfer market may have revealed more about his intentions.

All things considered, the local wonderkid will probably keep blending in and out of various areas of the field, using them based on the circumstances of the current match. Although he will occasionally play on the right, occasionally farther forward, and occasionally in deeper positions, he will always have an impact.

The quartet consisting of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endō, and Gravenberch, sporting a new look, implies that Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to emulate Steven Gerrard anytime soon. However, in football, anything is possible, especially when it comes to a player who seems determined to achieve his goals.