Martin Keown has called for Trent Alexander-Arnold to become a permanent midfielder for Liverpool.
The Reds captain for the day put in yet another impressive performance against Arsenal in his side’s 2-0 FA Cup third round win, pulling the strings for his team in what was a huge victory at the Emirates.
He put in the cross that Jakub Kiwior headed into his own net for the opening goal, and also hit the crossbar in the game playing in his usual inverted role.
The 25-year-old has received plaudits for his creative play, but has often been criticisied for his defending. Many argue that putting him in midfield would ease the defensive pressure an responsibility on him.
And a position change is what Keown, speaking on BBC, is calling for for Alexander-Arnold.
Martin Keown has argued that Trent Alexander-Arnold should be permanently moved into midfield for Liverpool
The defender put in another impressive performance for his side in their 2-0 win over Arsenal
Keown said that defending is Alexander-Arnold’s weakness, with the 25-year-old still playing right back currently
‘This is the weakness, there he gets set up,’ Keown said, pointing to a defensive error in the game with the defender up against Gabriel Martinelli.
‘I think it’s time to take Trent out of there, play him in midfield. I think he has to play in midfield.
‘He’s like a quarterback the way he can deliver from that position.’
Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy agreed with Keown’s call, and referenced his usual midfield play while playing for England as a sign that he can play the role.
Later on in the game, Liverpool manager Klopp brought on right back Conor Bradley to help Alexander-Arnold further, and Liverpool reaped the rewards.
‘This side of Trent’s game is up there with anyone in the Premier League in terms of midfielders let alone full-backs,’ Murphy said. ‘I think it’s about finding the right balance to give him the best position to play.
‘Klopp’s brought Bradley on at right-back so Trent can be freed up. For England you’ve got Rice alongside you, Walker or Reece James.’
Danny Murphy, meanwhile, pointed to Alexander-Arnold’s England career as evidence he can play the role
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his stand-in captain after the win on Sunday
Klopp, meanwhile, was almost lost for words when describing his captain, who has become one of the key men for the Premier League leaders.
‘What a game he played by the way in all the positions he played,’ Klopp said of Alexander-Arnold post match. ‘You see his class on the ball.
‘We could have scored a second slightly earlier with one or two counter attacks where we could have saw the pass earlier. We desperately wanted to avoid a draw. Now I don’t have to make any decisions which is good.’
