Rio Ferdinand believes a change at Liverpool has Trent Alexander-Arnold playing like Kevin De Bruyne. The right-back is playing incredibly.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might be playing the best football of his Liverpool career – and that’s saying something. The right-back now has 16 assists this season, after all, which is his new season-high. And there are plenty of games to go.
We thought he was particularly impressive against West Ham United at the weekend. Alexander-Arnold was far and away the most creative player on the pitch while also keeping things together at the back. It was a fantastic performance – an elite player at his best.
Former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand certainly enjoys what he sees. He talked on BT Sport about why Alexander-Arnold is currently playing ‘phenomenal’ stuff and believes it’s down to a tactical change.
The right-back is now taking up far more central positions. He drifts in from the flank, with the centre-midfielder switching roles. Alexander-Arnold gets a little closer to goal as a result and we saw the benefits against West Ham.
Ferdinand now sees comparisons with another creative Premier League star.
“Look where he is there [centrally] – that’s where he’s starting,” said Ferdinand. “That’s like Kevin De Bruyne territory in that position, almost like a False 10, 8 position.
“You don’t get assists just from being in the right positions, you’ve got to be able to execute and that’s what he has above most. He’s a phenomenal footballer.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold thrives with Liverpool
We talked ahead of the season that this would be a tactical change that benefitted Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool essentially found a way to get him playing like a midfielder without removing him from the right-back role.
It’s a magnificent tweak and one that may lead to even more development for the 23-year-old. The Scouser is a superstar right now – and still only just getting started in his new role..
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