Carragher claims Jurgen Klopp's transfers hint at Trent Alexander-Arnold plan
Jamie Carragher believes Jurgen Klopp's summer recruitment drive highlights how he continues to see Trent Alexander-Arnold as a hybrid right-back.
The talented 25-year-old has long played in the back four, but towards the latter end of last season increasingly began to step into midfield. He saw a host of his Liverpool teammates in that area, the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner, all move on to pastures new in the summer.
But rather than opt for a positional switch for Alexander-Arnold, Klopp went and spent well over £100million on four new midfielders to bolster his ranks. They have all been given plenty of game time which suggests the Reds boss doesn't see his right-back moving forward permanently anytime soon.
Carragher wrote in the Telegraph: "Klopp, however, remains convinced his vice-captain operates best as a roaming right-back, his signing four midfielders last summer proof that he is unmoved by suggestions that Alexander-Arnold was a ready-made-solution during last summer’s central reshuffle.
"Nobody knows the player better than the Liverpool manager and you cannot argue with the overall impact. Whatever Klopp’s short-term and long-term vision for the team, Alexander-Arnold is fundamental."
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Alexander-Arnold's skillset has allowed him to thrive in the final third with his delivery and free-kick taking particular strengths. Despite playing well over 200 times in the backline, it is the player's defensive qualities that often see him criticised.
The Liverpool star has continued in his hybrid role this term, with managers at other clubs also backing their defenders to step into more progressive areas to benefit the team. This weekend the Reds travel to champions Manchester City, who comfortably won at the Etihad last term.
Jurgen Klopp has continued to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a hybrid role (AFP via Getty Images)Klopp has only seen his side lose one league game since that reverse in April, but Carragher admits any weaknesses that exist in Liverpool's deployment of Alexander-Arnold will be exposed by City - as it has been against other teams.
"Wherever Alexander-Arnold operates he will be influential against most Premier League sides, especially when Liverpool are dominant on the ball," added Carragher. "Whether he spends most of his time on the right delivering pinpoint crosses, or plays more centrally and uses his tremendous repertoire of passing skills, he is one of the most technically gifted players in Europe.
"Where Klopp and his coaching staff have a match-defining tactical puzzle against a side of City’s class is maintaining the right balance between Trent’s attacking and defensive duties. My worry is even against weaker sides this has not been right."
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