13 November 2023 , 17:34
737
0
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed he is learning from John Stones of Liverpool’s arch rivals Manchester City as he adapts to his new midfield role.
Liverpool face City next in a table-topping clash on Saturday week and Alexander-Arnold says he has studied how England pal Stones has stepped up from defence into midfield.
Alexander-Arnold has been asked to move up into centre midfield from right-back whenever Liverpool are in possession to spray the ball around and he says he has admired Stones for some time.
“I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role - I don’t know what people call it these days - then it is obviously John Stones,” he said when asked who he watches.
“He’s someone who, for long time, I have admired his game. He is exceptional, so I watch him a lot. Clips or even when I’m just watching City’s games, I’ll sit and focus on him. I’ve always admired him.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
“I do admire the way Rodri plays. He is pivotal in that team and someone who is massively underrated. We’ve seen recently when you have him out of the team, they’re not the same. That just shows how important he is.
“I’d say it’s those kind of players I watch, but there are a lot. I’ll watch players from the past as well - Busquets, Alonso, Pirlo, Stevie G - those players I’ve always enjoyed watching.”
Stones has excelled since being moved further forward by Pep Guardiola (AFP via Getty Images)Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has pushed Alexander-Arnold forward because he wants to better utilise his passing and he is Liverpool’s best player on the ball. Alexander-Arnold, 25, still faces questions about his defending at right-back, but says he is revelling in his dual role for the Reds.
“I think the way I see it, and the way I’m told and explained to play it, it’s almost when we have the ball, I’m a midfielder and when we don’t have the ball, I’m a right-back,” said the Reds vice-captain, who has clocked up 287 appearances in his seven-year senior career.
“Half of the time, or 60 per cent of the game, I’m playing in midfield so naturally people warm to the idea of me playing in the middle of the pitch. Defensively I haven’t been given the opportunity to know how to play there just yet, but it’s something I study.
“I enjoy learning about the game, watching things, watching players, different systems, different teams, how different players play it and there are some players who play it really well.”
Gareth Southgate has questioned Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities and now classes him as a midfielder with England. Alexander-Arnold accepts his role with the Three Lions is different and tries to adapt accordingly.
“The conversations I’ve had with the manager and the staff there, I go there as a midfielder,” he said. “I’m not playing midfield week in, week out at Liverpool, but I’m getting on the ball in central areas and knowing how to receive and conduct yourself and play a game in midfield, is a lot different to at the side of the pitch.”