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The retired footballer now working as a pundit argues why the Liverpool defender cannot shift position now.
Gary Neville has explained why he believes Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot be a world-class midfielder.
During Liverpool’s game at Anfield against Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp opted to have the fullback as an auxiliary midfielder when in possession. However, Alexander-Arnold sometimes struggled defensively.
Neville now feels that Klopp should depart from the idea of turning the full-back into a full-time midfielder.
"Alexander-Arnold would drift into midfield in any case given the freedom being at right-back gives him, but if he was actually down to play in midfield away from home in the Premier League and he was getting the ball popped into him, when he's got his back to play, that's a different ball game," argued Neville.
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09:43 - 10.04.2023
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The Gunners boss said his side lost control and played to Liverpool’s strength.
"Some of the best midfielders in the world, the Xavis, Iniestas, they're the ones who can manipulate the ball, and Rodri does it very well. Trent wouldn't be able to do that, honestly.
"It's something we've said before about Declan Rice, and his ability to receive the ball on the half turn. You've got to be a top player who has played hundreds of games as a kid, looking over your shoulder."
Instead of turning Alexander-Arnold into a complete midfielder, the former Manchester United right-back suggested another suitable role for the England international.
"I've heard it said a number of times about full-backs being able to play in midfield before... 'he can play wide, he can play as a winger' - no they can't. That's why they're full-backs," he added.
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15:10 - 10.04.2023
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The midfielder’s confrontation with Alexander-Arnold has been linked with the Reds’ fight back.
"I think he can play wing-back. Klopp tried to play him in a different position [against Arsena], he tried to pull him into midfield - Zinchenko-like, John Stones-like - but he could definitely play wing-back as there is a right-sided centre-back who can shift into the channel to deal with the straight balls."
During the quadruple-chasing quest of the 2021/22 season, Alexander-Arnold had his defensive weaknesses exposed at times and in one-on-one situations against Arsenal, he struggled too.
In his recent England squad, Gareth Southgate did not call up the Liverpool right-back.
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