25-year-old Liverpool player has jut given Jurgen Klopp another headache over the international break

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It’s fair to say that the international break came at a pretty good time for Liverpool.

Having put in a couple of dismal performances against Luton Town and then Toulouse, Liverpool did at least bounce back against Brentford last week.

But despite that, Jurgen Klopp has a number of things to contend with. The Reds’ midfield in particular will have had Klopp scratching his head, with injuries to Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch to go with long-term issues for Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic.

And based on his comments – and indeed his performance – this week, the manager may also soon run into another issue: Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trent is quite clearly champing at the bit to play in midfield. He said as much prior to playing for England against Malta last night.

Having been given licence to run the midfield by Gareth Southgate, Liverpool’s right-back put in a performance which Tim Sherwood called ‘unbelievable’ [Sky Sports]. Perhaps that won’t be welcome news for Jurgen.

Trent shows off midfield credentials

Of course, the manager will want to his players doing well for their countries. Good form and confidence can easily be transferred then back to club football.

But although he has hinted that Alexander-Arnold may get a run in midfield at some point, Klopp does seem reluctant to do that.

Part of the reason why may be a lack of options at right-back. Joe Gomez has done well when filling in there this season but he is still a natural centre-back.

Maybe we’ll see something change once Conor Bradley returns to fitness. However, it would seem like a big leap of faith to expect the 20-year-old to come in and do a consistent job.

As a result, you’d have to say that it’s unlikely that Liverpool’s No.66 will get his wish for a more creative central role anytime soon.

Of course, there’s nothing to suggest that Trent is agitating or unhappy with his current role. But he has seemed keen to make a point of how much he loves playing centrally during recent international breaks.

With his contract still yet to be renewed and running out in 2025, Klopp and Liverpool have to be a little careful.

Given the injuries he has in midfield, Alexander-Arnold’s display last night might just have to force Jurgen’s hand. No matter how much he doesn’t really want it to be so, it looks like a shift in position is becoming inevitable.