Stephen Warnock was full of praise for Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Liverpool defender impressed in a new position against Aston Villa.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the BBC Sport pundit showered the England international with plaudits as Alexander-Arnold shone in another new role for Liverpool.
Having been an inverted fullback at the end of last season, Alexander-Arnold was this weekend tucked in more centrally at the back, with Villa’s lack of attack also allowing the fullback to exploit space down the wing.
It was comfortably Alexander-Arnold’s best performance of the season, and Warnock was very impressed with what he saw from the 24-year-old at Anfield this weekend.
Warnock said: “A lot of the game he ended up playing as a centre-back. It’s almost like they have tried to find a balance in the team where they can protect themselves defensively as well.
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“Today he played almost like a quarter-back, it was brilliant to watch. We know the capability of him his passing ability. When he is on the ball, he is calm, composed, he waits for the right opportunity. It was a masterclass in passing from Trent Alexander-Arnold today.”
Alexander-Arnold will take key lessons from Villa win
Despite ending last season on a high, it still feels like Jurgen Klopp and Alexander-Arnold are still trying to figure out what’s best for him in this Liverpool system.
There are still clearly some issues that need addressing, yet Alexander-Arnold’s display from the back against Villa was encouraging and one that both he and Klopp will take key lessons from.
Indeed, a deep-lying defensive role could suit Alexander-Arnold against teams who don’t intend to attack, and the fullback could learn from playing more in the role in future games.