Jamie Carragher has suggested that Liverpool should consider moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield and acquiring a new right-back for the long term.
While the English right-back has excelled in the team’s defense and showcased his attacking prowess, there have been concerns about his defensive abilities.
His lapses in defense have proven costly despite his impressive delivery and passing range. This has sparked a debate regarding his optimal position.
Liverpool’s midfield is in need of rejuvenation, as players like James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are set to depart this summer.
Strengthening the midfield is a priority, with potential targets such as Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount linked to Anfield. Jude Bellingham was previously considered, but Liverpool backed out due to his high price tag.
But, Carragher believes that few midfielders can match Alexander-Arnold’s quality, suggesting that signing a new right-back might be a more effective solution.
As reported by the Mirror, the former Liverpool defender said:
“I think his body language when he’s in midfield, compared to when he’s just playing in defence, is completely different. Feels like I’m watching a different player. Some of the passes he plays, no matter who we buy, if we bought Bellingham, how much more could he do that TAA does in midfield.”
“When Liverpool are on the ball, whoever you buy, whatever you spend, they cant do more than Trent. I think another season id be of the mind, let’s buy a right-back and put him in midfield, because this kid is too good to not be the centre of this team.”
Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the potential of deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield during the latter stages of the season.
This tactical shift could offer new possibilities for the team, particularly considering the presence of young right-backs within the club, such as Calvin Ramsay.
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Ramsay, who joined last summer, has faced limited opportunities in his first season. Klopp’s comments suggests that Alexander-Arnold’s positional change could create opportunities for the development of other promising right-back options.
Still, it seems obvious that the Reds will continue in their pursuit of signing a new midfielder and they are close to securing a deal for Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
