Trent’s new position
- Thread starter rurikbird
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I do wonder about this role against the very best teams. There'll be a game where it comes unstuck and he'll likely get slaughtered for it.
But anything that gets the best out of his quality is ok in my book, he's our best player.
But anything that gets the best out of his quality is ok in my book, he's our best player.
[article]Few players were forced under the microscope this season more than Trent Alexander-Arnold. The ‘will-he, won’t-he?’ soap opera around his World Cup selection for England seemed to be entirely based on his defensive ability, which was the topic of debate on a seemingly weekly basis.
Statistically, Alexander-Arnold hadn’t done that much wrong. According to Opta numbers, he committed two errors that led to shots in the Premier League and none that led to goals prior to the home clash with Arsenal in early April. Only four Premier League defenders who had played at least 15 games had a better tackle success percentage than his 73.2, and he had a solid duel success percentage of 54, while he had been dribbled past by an opponent 20 times, 15 fewer than Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
Those were just the surface numbers though, there was no doubt there had been too many occasions where Alexander-Arnold had been caught out at the back, though it was likely in part impacted by the inconsistency of the wider team.
Arguably the biggest concern about the 24-year-old’s performances were that his usually gigantic number of assists had almost disappeared, managing just two in his first 27 league outings. There was improvement, though, when Klopp decided in early April to move him into a hybrid position where he drifted into midfield when Liverpool had possession. The two maps below show just how different the two roles were.
The experiment began in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, which included Alexander-Arnold setting up Firmino for a late equaliser. That was the first of seven assists in 10 games, while he also had the most touches of any player in the league in that period (1,073), 122 more than the next most, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk. Interestingly considering the criticism of his defending, he also boasted the second-most instances of possession won (80) behind only Manchester United’s Casemiro (89) in that time.
Alexander-Arnold’s rapid improvement coincided with Liverpool’s. Despite everything up to then, they won more points (24) than any side apart from champions Man City (25) across the last 10 games. It suggested that while they got a lot wrong in 2022-23, the future could still be bright for Klopp and Liverpool. Despite everything, they had enough about them to put the sort of winning run together that they frequently managed in previous, more successful campaigns, with certain key players finding their form after several months of playing well below par.[/article]
Statistically, Alexander-Arnold hadn’t done that much wrong. According to Opta numbers, he committed two errors that led to shots in the Premier League and none that led to goals prior to the home clash with Arsenal in early April. Only four Premier League defenders who had played at least 15 games had a better tackle success percentage than his 73.2, and he had a solid duel success percentage of 54, while he had been dribbled past by an opponent 20 times, 15 fewer than Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
Those were just the surface numbers though, there was no doubt there had been too many occasions where Alexander-Arnold had been caught out at the back, though it was likely in part impacted by the inconsistency of the wider team.
Arguably the biggest concern about the 24-year-old’s performances were that his usually gigantic number of assists had almost disappeared, managing just two in his first 27 league outings. There was improvement, though, when Klopp decided in early April to move him into a hybrid position where he drifted into midfield when Liverpool had possession. The two maps below show just how different the two roles were.
The experiment began in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, which included Alexander-Arnold setting up Firmino for a late equaliser. That was the first of seven assists in 10 games, while he also had the most touches of any player in the league in that period (1,073), 122 more than the next most, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk. Interestingly considering the criticism of his defending, he also boasted the second-most instances of possession won (80) behind only Manchester United’s Casemiro (89) in that time.
Alexander-Arnold’s rapid improvement coincided with Liverpool’s. Despite everything up to then, they won more points (24) than any side apart from champions Man City (25) across the last 10 games. It suggested that while they got a lot wrong in 2022-23, the future could still be bright for Klopp and Liverpool. Despite everything, they had enough about them to put the sort of winning run together that they frequently managed in previous, more successful campaigns, with certain key players finding their form after several months of playing well below par.[/article]
We need to buy a RB to solve another CM position as Trent will be there.
Then we probably need to stop trying to buy another midfielder and focus on a RB - if it is indeed the plan to move Trent into midfield.
Depends whether Ramsay and/or Bradley are ready IMO. I'd still want another set of fresh legs in MF provided the player concerned is quality and not just a stopgap.
Ramsay is going out on loan to PNE for the season.
Let’s just be hopeful he comes back to us in one piece.
The rest of them were slow and ponderous, I agree. Some of the quick incisive passes which would created gateway scoring opportunities were squandered by teammates who were a step behind both physically and mentally.
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Because trent will be our RB this season. Being a midfielder is a lot more than just nice passing and being able to shoot. He still has a lot to learn before he can be considered a midfielder.
He has to start somewhere
Well I sure hope not.
Which is why the plodding performances of the rest of team was baffling.
Trent played in midfield didnt he, when he eas in the academy ?, him being RB for LFC was out of necessity right ? From what I saw yesterday, I think he needs to learn how to get out of being pressed hard, I felt also there were too many periods where he was not involved, just standing around a bit too much.
Bingo
Well klopp has always maintained he wants trent as a RB. It worked great when we had a very hard working and high pressing midfield. Trent would get forward and hendo would cover. Its gone to shit because our midfield is too old and their legs have gone. The midfield we had before thiago was perfect for trent.
So why not buy a capable right back put Trent in midfield and no one needs to cover for him?
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Well, you’re not keeping up. Apparently Klopp could learn a thing or two from Southgate on how to get the best out of Trent Alexander Arnold.
There is no rest anymore. It is ridiculous, and what is the point of a players association if it doesn't step in?
[article]Alexander-Arnold meanwhile “enjoyed” the game against Malta and he admitted that he “sees himself” carrying on midfield in the coming years.
“I enjoyed it. I love playing football and being on the pitch and representing my country. To play the full 90 minutes, I was happy. After the little break at the end of the season, it was about getting fitness back in my legs. I enjoyed it and I’ll remember that one,” Alexander-Arnold said.
When asked if he sees himself as a midfield moving forward, he added: “I don’t know. I think potentially. I haven’t played it too much but it feels comfortable. It feels natural, I will say that. It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and today was a good foundation to build on.
“Hopefully I am one of those players that can be used in a number of positions. I’m not bothered where I play as long as I’m playing. No matter what position I’m playing in, I will give my all and try and win the game.
“Regarding England, the manager has always tried to find a way to get me into the team and with the quality, of the players who play in those positions, it’s been difficult to find that. I think the role I’ve been playing with club football, it’s a new avenue. It’s still early doors, it’s only one match. But it’s important that when I get the opportunity, I take it.”[/article]
“I enjoyed it. I love playing football and being on the pitch and representing my country. To play the full 90 minutes, I was happy. After the little break at the end of the season, it was about getting fitness back in my legs. I enjoyed it and I’ll remember that one,” Alexander-Arnold said.
When asked if he sees himself as a midfield moving forward, he added: “I don’t know. I think potentially. I haven’t played it too much but it feels comfortable. It feels natural, I will say that. It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and today was a good foundation to build on.
“Hopefully I am one of those players that can be used in a number of positions. I’m not bothered where I play as long as I’m playing. No matter what position I’m playing in, I will give my all and try and win the game.
“Regarding England, the manager has always tried to find a way to get me into the team and with the quality, of the players who play in those positions, it’s been difficult to find that. I think the role I’ve been playing with club football, it’s a new avenue. It’s still early doors, it’s only one match. But it’s important that when I get the opportunity, I take it.”[/article]
Well its kinda hard to judge him against Malta. You could practically anyone and they would stand out.
I just don't see us buying a RB this summer. Midfield is our main priority.
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