Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool fullback, believes his switch to midfield last season was a significant step forward in his career.
Manager Jurgen Klopp made the change when the team was struggling.
“When the manager showed me the inverted role, I saw it as an opportunity to show I can play in the middle of the pitch,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“You might get one game, it doesn’t work, and you end up playing right-back for the rest of your career.” Nothing is wrong with that.
“But I felt there was more to me playing in the center of the field and saw it as my chance to show people what I’m capable of.” I felt like I could dictate and control things from right-back, but there was another layer to it.However, I’m not sure what my optimum position is. It is dependent on the configuration. As a full-back for Liverpool, I’ve had the freedom to come into central areas and create from the right-half space, as well as get down the touchline and throw crosses in, create chances, and get assists over the previous five or six years.
“The England set-up is different for what the manager wants from full-backs.” Despite the fact that they are theoretically two separate places on the pitch, I believe both techniques allow me to get into the same positions. The ability to obtain the ball, command the game, and manage the tempo is crucial for a player like myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m a fullback or a midfielder. I need to get on the ball and wants to direct the entire game.”
