‘It would be mad’ – Jamie Carragher denies need for Liverpool to make tweak with key man
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has presented an argument against claims for one of the club’s current stars to change position.
Liverpool had to settle for a point in their latest Premier League game after drawing 1-1 with 10-man Chelsea. They tried various routes at goal but could not break their opponents down in the end. One of the sources of inspiration that tried the most was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who created more chances than anyone else.
The Liverpudlian full-back has established himself as one of Jurgen Klopp’s most reliable performers in recent years. He has started this season no different.
Alexander-Arnold originally came through the ranks as a midfielder, but has been used almost exclusively as a right-back since Klopp promoted him to the first team in 2016.
There has been an ongoing debate in the years since then about whether the England international should move into more central territory. Now, Liverpool legend Carragher has weighed in.
Responding to calls from Gary Lineker on Twitter for Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield – citing Philipp Lahm and Joshua Kimmich as examples of such a strategy working – Carragher denied it would be beneficial.
“No he shouldn’t,” Carragher wrote. “Full-backs get more of the ball than anyone and a bit more time on it to pick out their passes.
“The way Klopp sets up he’s virtually a midfielder in possession anyway. The amount of assists he gets means it would be mad to change his position.”
In his Liverpool career so far, the 22-year-old has provided 45 assists, in addition to 10 goals, from 182 appearances.
There will likely be many more to come after he signed a long-term contract extension one month ago. His future is now secure until 2025.
He will probably still spend most of that time at right-back still, although the question of what he would be like in midfield will remain in the minds of some.
Klopp enthusiastic about Liverpool youngster
Alexander-Arnold has set out a blueprint for youngsters coming through the ranks at Liverpool with his progression.
The next player hoping to follow a similar pathway could well be Harvey Elliott, who has started their last two games.
Brought to the club in 2019, Elliott enjoyed a positive loan spell with Blackburn Rovers last season and is now establishing himself in the Liverpool first team.
His latest performance against an opponent as tough as Chelsea earned praise from Klopp.
The manager said of the 18-year-old: “When you are old enough to drive a car you should be old enough to play football games.
“He is in the right place. He’s a smart player. He didn’t look tired for a second and kept going.”
Elliott’s performance was just one of many things Klopp enjoyed, despite the result…
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp names two qualities Liverpool needed more of in ‘enjoyable’ Chelsea draw