James Pearce has praised the resurgence of one Liverpool player who has been “rejuvenated” and has “a spring in his step.”
Jurgen Klopp’s decision to switch Trent Alexander-Arnold to an inverted full-back position has paid off, with the 24-year-old setting up four goals in three games since the switch.
“Issues to iron out with #LFC’s new tactical set-up, it’s still a work in progress, but the benefits are clear, not least how the change has rejuvenated Trent Alexander-Arnold,” the journalist wrote for The Athletic. Three games, four assists, and a new lease on life.”
It’s no coincidence that Liverpool’s recent improvement has coincided with Trent’s move further upfield, at least when the Reds are in possession.
According to Pearce’s article for The Athletic, the right-back ‘has provided more assists in the past three games since switching to the hybrid role than in his previous 38 top-flight matches combined.’
The 24-year-old has impressed not only in terms of goal contributions, but also in terms of overall performance.
According to WhoScored, he made four key passes and four accurate crosses on Saturday, following up on a superb performance against Leeds in which he recorded 11 accurate long balls and 136 touches while also making three tackles and two clearances.
Trent won four tackles in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, which marked his first appearance in his new role and also sparked Liverpool’s recent mini-resurgence.
He’s been chastised for his defensive flaws in recent months, but the Reds’ number 66 has demonstrated that he can still contribute significantly off the ball in addition to his obvious wizardry in possession.
Issues to iron out with #LFC's new tactical set-up, it's still a work in progress, but the benefits are clear, not least how the change has rejuvenated Trent Alexander-Arnold. Three games, four assists and a spring in his step. https://t.co/H3qEAesz1B
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) April 24, 2023
It’s a combination that has served him and his team well recently, and long may it continue.
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