Trent Alexander-Arnold: Jamie Carragher on Liverpool star's new hybrid midfield role
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has been excelling in a new hybrid midfield role, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. In the team's recent match against Leeds, the 24-year-old registered the second-most touches of any player in a Premier League game this season, and notched two assists against Javi Gracia's struggling side. In the previous game against Arsenal, Alexander-Arnold also assisted Roberto Firmino for the Reds' late equaliser.
Carragher believes that Alexander-Arnold is now producing Steven Gerrard-like performances in his new role, with only Kevin De Bruyne matching him for defence-splitting passes. However, there are questions about whether his impact in this new position is sustainable over the course of the season.
The former defender posed the question to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "Is [Alexander-Arnold's new role designed] to get more out of him [offensively], or to make the team better defensively - so you have two sitting midfielders?"
Klopp's response was that the new role is designed for both offensive and defensive purposes, as Alexander-Arnold is able to make exceptional passes and contribute defensively. However, the team needs better protection, as they have been conceding too many counter-attacks and losing balls at the wrong moments.
Carragher further dissected Alexander-Arnold's new role and how it has helped the team create and defend over the previous two games. He noted that in the previous game against Arsenal, Alexander-Arnold's performance was almost like a Steven Gerrard performance, where he was a bit everywhere and there was a lot of running involved.
Carragher also discussed the importance of utilising Alexander-Arnold's strengths, despite his weaknesses as a defender. He believes that if Liverpool do not get back to being a top team who dominate, more people will question Alexander-Arnold. However, Carragher remains confident in the player's abilities, stating that there are very few players in world football who could match him when he is on the ball in certain areas of the pitch.
After two assists against Leeds, Alexander-Arnold reached a landmark 50 assists in the Premier League. Liverpool fans will be excited to see how he continues to excel in his new hybrid midfield role as the season progresses.
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