Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman has claimed Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is totally unique in what he does.
Speaking on Generation xG for Premier League Productions, the 41-year-old suggested the Scouser approaches the game with an attacking mindset, rather than a defensive one – as full-backs tend to do.
“That’s the argument, you expect a full-back to think defensively first, stop the opposition and if you can give the team something going forwards, great,” said Osman.
“He [Trent] doesn’t do that. He thinks like a winger, he thinks like an old-school creative, either a winger a number 10, or like a number nine.
“He thinks offensively first. Is this something Liverpool have to accept and find a different place for him? Or do they just have to get on with it and hope it works out?”
Osman says Trent is unique
The change we saw from Alexander-Arnold in the second half against Arsenal on Sunday was what we needed Jurgen Klopp to do earlier on in the season.
Playing as an inverted full-back, the 24-year-old would operate as part of a tight back-four when the opposition were in possession of the ball.
However, when Liverpool were in possession, he pushed into midfield as a second six – into a double pivot. Andy Robertson would then push more centrally as a left-sided centre-back, so Ibrahima Konate could move slightly wider to cover for the right-back.
The defender, who earns £160,000-a-week at Anfield, excelled in the position.
As a result, fans have called for it to be used regularly next season, but with a strong right-sided midfielder needed to be brought in to maximise the formation.
Therefore, it seems Liverpool will adapt to Alexander-Arnold’s strengths, as they look to rebuild in the summer.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
