Liverpool star Trent Alexander Arnold has been criticized for his deficiencies in defending as fullback. However, his attacking output for Liverpool has always been outstanding.
The 25-year-old has been known to be a chance creation machine. His long-range crosses, wing-switching parabolic passes, and also line breaking have been world-class. And this quality has also been a pivotal element in Jurgen Klopp’s success in Liverpool.
Yet in all this, he has always been weak when it comes to fulfilling his defensive duties as a right-back. A lot of football pundits and journalists have suggested a switch of roles for him. Moreover, during Klopp’s time, he wasn’t seriously trying it out in a different role.
However, in the English national team, there has been an excess of rightbacks. This puts a question around the need for Trent in the national team. Nonetheless, Gareth Southgate the English has been able to solve the problem. This by utilizing him in the 8 role, and lately the Liverpool star has been phenomenal.
Trent’s Performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Trent was given the role of midfielder in England’s match against Bosnia. The Liverpool star was one of the most outstanding players on the pitch. England won 3-0 with Trent adding a sublime goal to the scoresheet.
In the First half, England struggled to break the deadlock. The three lions created an ample chance, thanks to Trent. However, in the final third, they failed to convert it. In the 2nd half, it was the same story.
After a while, Trent took a corner that caused all sorts of problems in the box. This led to a foul on an England player causing a penalty. Cole Palmer took the penalty to give England the lead.
After the goal, it felt like the three lions were liberated. A chance came for Trent who switched to the inverted right-back role. This was after some substitutions were made. The Liverpool star volleyed a close-range low shot to the far end of the post. He made it two. England continued to probe, and another corner this time by Maddison allowed Kane to make it 3.
Trent in the no 8 role for Gareth Southgate
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During Euro qualifiers, Gareth Southgate has deployed the Liverpool star in the no 8 role. Here he functioned as a right attacking midfielder, in a 433 formation. So far in those times he has scored screamers and provided beautiful assists.
Initially, Southgate had struggled to use the 25-year-old star. But after using him in the 8 role it seemed the English coach had built a new confidence in him.
Although Trent had a minor Injury. This hindered him from participating in their international games. Now in his return, and the preparation for Euros, Trent hasn’t lost the quality.
Even though there are a lot of stars on the English team. Mostly younger than Trent. but in raw talent alongside experience, Trent seems to be superior. In the end, there’s no doubt that the Liverpool star can be pivotal to England’s success in the Euros.
Trent’s Possible Role in Liverpool New Slot’s Era
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Jurgen Klopp might have missed out on Trent’s magnificence in the midfield. Their new coach Arne Slot will love to try out new things. Especially deploying Trent in the midfield.
Trent’s attacking influence in Liverpool has been huge. In which he had been one of their main chance creators. This happens when he is still mindful of his defensive duties.
Perhaps it might have been the reasons behind his defensive flaws. Especially when he has to focus on two huge tasks. Carrying the team’s attack, and defending counters.
However if those defensive duties are given to another and he is left to focus on majorly the attack, his output might be even more massive. Furthermore, it has been proven while he played for England. This might be something Slot won’t want to miss out on.
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More to come
The Euros is less than 10 days to come. This implies there’ll be a lot of this decision for the England coach to make. Especially concerning his final 23-man team. Trent will be expected to make the squad and probably be a starter in the midfield role for England.
Southgate will hope to maximize his squad to get the best out of the tournament.
About the Writer
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a fan of football for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his Twitter handle at @kng7.
