Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has claimed Trent Alexander-Arnold has been absolutely outstanding in his new position as an inverted full-back.
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, the Reds skipper suggested the 24-year-old has been re-energised by his recent change of role.
This involves more centralised play; when the Merseyside outfit are in possession of the ball, the Scouser steps into the midfield as a second six.
“I think that’s helped us, it’s definitely given us something a little bit different,” Henderson said.
“We can build confidence within games. It’s been a bit easier to play through the middle, to get on the ball and create more. I think Trent has been outstanding in that position.
“It’s something new for him and I think it’s like a new stimulus for him. He is learning it all the time and it’s a different position than before.”
He added: “He has been really good there, getting on the ball in dangerous areas and getting further infield.
“He can hurt teams and that’s helped us over the last few games, especially in terms of winning the ball back in the middle.
“I know everyone talks about Trent with the ball, which is great, but he also gives us an extra man in the middle when we lose the ball with the counter-press. That’s been something that we have been much better at in the last few weeks.”
Henderson raves about Trent
Since stepping into that midfield role, Alexander-Arnold has been back to his best.
In his last four games in the middle, the 24-year-old has produced five assists – demonstrating just how effective he is acting as a playmaker.
This is certainly the best version of the Scouser we’ve seen all season, so we think Jurgen Klopp should continue to utilise this formation going forward.
Alexander-Arnold needs a midfielder who can cover his position as a right-sided central midfielder, and also a left centre-back to cover when the defence becomes a back-three.
At the moment, Liverpool have both positions on their summer wish-list, so it will be interesting to see who they bring in.