Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told by Rio Ferdinand that the set-up at Liverpool will hamper his England opportunities.
The right-back is a key cog for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and has helped the Reds claim domestic and European glory over recent years. His attacking influence has set him apart from other players in his position with his delivery from wide areas a huge asset.
However, his deficiencies in defence have been cited as an issue with the dynamics at Liverpool often compensating for perceived flaws in Alexander-Arnold's game. He is pushing for a role with the Three Lions in what is an immensely competitive area as Gareth Southgate plots his squad for this winter's World Cup.
Ferdinand has highlighted the differing roles Alexander-Arnold would be asked to perform for club and country as a potential problem for the Reds. He said on BT Sport : "Is Jurgen Klopp saying to him 'you're in this team to create chances?' Is he treating him like he's a No 10 in this team from right-back? The game in the right-back position has changed so much. The likes of [Joao] Cancelo and Reece James are dictating games and getting more touches than anyone in the game.
"Is he telling him 'the guys behind you, they're responsible for defensive situations, and you go out there and play off the cuff' without the noose around your neck to be responsible defensively? I think it will be difficult for Trent to start for England, with the way Gareth has set his team up in recent months and time gone by.
"Jurgen Klopp is not looking at his weakest attributes. He is saying 'what are his best attributes and how can I get him out there producing the best parts of his game and amplify the positives?'"
Alexander-Arnold has previously been shunned on the international stage which has been the subject of debate. Reece James and Kyle Walker appear to be above the Liverpool man in the pecking order with Kieran Trippier also a favourite on the international scene.
Southgate did pick the Liverpool man ahead of the Euros last summer, only for the player to get injured in a warm-up game and miss the tournament.
Jurgen Klopp has previously leapt to the defence of his player, insisting he wouldn't play in the backline were he unable to adequately defend. He claimed last season: "If he couldn’t defend, he would not play here – at least not that in that position.
"He improved in all departments and defending of course as well, but he is that young that he can improve and has to improve, but yes, his defending is not a problem we have.”
