Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future may belong in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield because he is one of the best passers in the world, according to Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been using Alexander-Arnold in an inverted role when in possession since the draw against Arsenal on April 9 and Liverpool have gone on to win all five league games since.
And after a season in which the England international’s defending at right back has been severely criticised, Frank thinks that he could end up in a central role permanently.
The Bees boss says travelling to Anfield is the most difficult assignment in the Premier League and thinks for his team to stand any chance of a result they must nullify Alexander-Arnold.
“He’s a very, very good footballer and I understand why Jurgen constantly talks positively about him and uses him in the best way,” Frank said. “His passing range and ability is probably among the best in the world. I can’t remember the stats but he must be one of the top assist makers in the Premier League ever.
“He could be a midfielder in the future. I know he’s being used there now when in possession and the game has developed where there are positions in possession and positions out of possession. But in the midfield he adds something to Liverpool that’s of a high, high value.
“It’s no secret that it’s very important that we close him down. If we can close him down and avoid him making an assist we’re one step closer to getting a result.”
John Stones has been used in a similar role at Manchester City in recent months and Frank thinks that young players being coached to be tactically flexible all-rounders is enabling head coaches to be more imaginative.
“It’s been there the last few years where we see there’s a bit more flexibility in how you use the full backs,” Frank said. “There’s different ways of trying to create the build up and this is part of it. The first time we saw it was with [Philipp] Lahm at Bayern under Guardiola. And with a player of Trent’s capacity it is very interesting.
“Part of it is academy players are coached at a higher level but overall football players these days need to be capable of, if not playing in a number of positions, all need to be quick, technically good and physically strong. It’s not that we have 11 players with the same abilities but there’s a lot of the same abilities in every position and that gives the opportunity to be more flexible.”
Brentford, who are ninth and retain a slim chance of qualifying for the Europa League, will welcome Kristoffer Ajer back from injury for the trip to Merseyside but Christian Norgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter and Pontus Jansson remain absent.
