Trent Alexander-Arnold has reaped the benefits of his new role for Liverpool
Pep Guardiola lauded Jurgen Klopp’s tactical switch involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, which helped Liverpool win seven consecutive Premier League games.
During the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Easter Sunday, Klopp first tried Alexander-Arnold in midfield, a system he has since stuck to. When attacking, the No.66 moves into advanced positions, while being covered by the right-sided defender when venturing forward.
This shift in strategy has brought out the best in both the West Derby-born defender and his teammates, who have since defeated Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Brentford, and Leicester City.
After being heavily chastised for his defending at times this season, Alexander-Arnold has flourished from an attacking standpoint after being given permission to move into central areas. Six assists and one goal in his last seven starts demonstrates the impact the Academy graduate is now having, which has not gone unnoticed by Guardiola.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has used a similar hybrid role involving John Stones acting as a defensive midfielder, which has worked well. When asked if this season has been his most difficult tactically, the Catalan coach replied, “Sometimes the team evolves depending on the opponents and the problems they create for you.”
“You can’t play the same way for seven years for two reasons.” First, you have different players: we used to play with a false nine, but now we play with Erling Haaland, and our defensive and offensive strategies are completely different. The second point is that opponents do not defend in the same way because they know you and have learned secrets about the players you have. At the time
“Right now, Liverpool is playing with Alexander-Arnold on the inside. He used to play outside all the time and is now playing inside,” said the 52-year-old. “Opponents discovered a solution to the way they attacked, and now they are dealing with a slew of issues with Alexander inside.” Opponents will find a solution to defender Alexander-Arnold with Fabinho inside in the future. Jurgen will find a way to do it. I’d love to stay in one system for seven years, playing the same way and hoping my opponents don’t notice – but that doesn’t happen.”
City are on the verge of winning their fifth Premier League title in six years, with Liverpool the only team to challenge the Sky Blues’ dominance in the division during that time. Arsenal could have ended the season as champions, but despite leading for several months, they faded away.
Guardiola added, when asked if winning the title this season would mean more than in previous years, “No.” We can’t deny that the titles against Liverpool were easier. Absolutely not. I believe we should invite one or two more people to join the top six. Newcastle is one game away from qualifying for the Champions League. I saw them play against Brighton to see how good they were.
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