Jude Bellingham has just given Jurgen Klopp what he wanted as Liverpool could face historic ‘trial’
Jude Bellingham will not represent England on international duty this week which could play directly into Jurgen Klopp’s hands before next season. Trent Alexander-Arnold has played a relatively unknown role over the past two months as he was converted into an inverted full-back at Liverpool. The Scouse defender has continued to play at right-back in defense in his side’s last ten games, but has turned into a makeshift midfielder when the ball is under control.
Jurgen Klopp is the man who pushed the move and so far he has succeeded. Since the tactical change against Arsenal in early April, Liverpool have remained unbeaten with an impressive seven wins and three draws. Alexander-Arnold has played a pivotal role at the Reds, which is perhaps why many fans are calling for him to become a full-time midfielder, with and without the ball. Anfield legend Jamie Carragher has even gave his opinion on Redmen TV: “I don’t know who to buy, he’s much better than Trent.” This kid is too good not to be the focus of this team. It’s his team
It remains to be seen whether Klopp will facilitate a permanent move for his special number 66 next season, but he is yet to complete the experiment on Merseyside. So far, Alexander-Arnold hasn’t experienced what it’s like to play as a central midfielder for Liverpool for an entire match, as he’s only occupied the midfield of the park places at the case by case. Currently, the Reds are linked with a bizarre transfer of Benjamin Pavard via ‘Caught Offside’. The Bayern Munich defender is said to be a target, which is interesting given he’s used to appearing on the biggest stages at right-back, which could see Alexander-Arnold become a full-time midfielder next season.
The 24-year-old is currently on international duty with England playing two European Championship qualifiers next week. Gareth Southgate could ease Klopp’s predicament by using Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder for his national team while Jude Bellingham is out through injury.
The Borussia Dortmund captain was called up by Southgate but had to pull out due to persistent knee problems. He will continue his rehabilitation at the national football center but while waiting for his absence could open the possibility for Alexander-Arnold to take his place on the pitch.
In fact, Southgate had a chat with the Liverpool talisman last month and his new role was one of the talking points. “The reason for the conversation was that I felt it was good to talk to him about what he does, how I see it, how he sees it and what might happen with it,” the manager said. English.
We talk a lot about his game. I always recognized his qualities as a player, but he was unlucky that we also had [Kyle] Walker, [Kieran] Trippier and Reece James. That’s why I thought it was important to call him. Who knows what his best position is in the future. We shouldn’t sit here and say he’s a midfielder now because we already know that, but there’s a lot more to it and it could be really exciting, but we’ll see.”
Southgate looks set to face Alexander-Arnold in the trial Klopp nearly avoided at Anfield. If he plays well in that role, Liverpool will certainly be tempted to explore the possibility of signing Pavard before making a real tactical change ahead of next season.
Alexander-Arnold is unique enough to thrive wherever he is deployed in the future, but this week Klopp and Reds fans got a glimpse of what awaits the talented academy graduate.
