Alexander-Arnold hints at solution after slow judgment in midfield

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Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold admitted he found his experimental role as a midfielder on Sunday “difficult”.

The 22-year-old made his name as a right-back for his club. However, he also gained fame for his offensive contributions from that region. Since his debut with Liverpool, he has scored 10 goals and 45 assists. Of course, his offensive abilities made him drift forward even more.

As such, calls have grown over the past two seasons to move into the midfield role.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed Reds boss Jurgen Klopp would “go crazy” to change his position.

As a test on Sunday, England manager Gareth Southgate did just that against Andorra. Alexander Arnold played the first 45 minutes of the Three Lions’ 4-0 win in midfield.

While he managed a shot on goal and completed just over 80 percent of his passes, he told TalkSPORT that a change in the system – which made him switch back to right-back – benefited him.

“It’s a new role for me, a little bit different, I think there’s been a lot of questions being asked about whether or not I can play there and a lot of opinions being expressed over the past few weeks,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“It was an experience the coach wanted to try, but it was hard for me to get the ball.

“I found it more difficult to get the ball in those spaces. But whether I’m starting from there or starting at right-back, I think it’s only natural that I find myself drifting into midfield, grabbing the ball and impacting the game.

“In the second half we changed the system a little bit and I was able to find a lot more space and get time on the ball and get in positions that are a bit like playing in midfield anyway.”

Alexander Arnold played the first half alongside Jordan Henderson and Bellingham in midfield.

Jesse Lingard scored the only goal in the first half adding a second after the first half. Meanwhile, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka completed England’s second 4-0 win in three days.

The Three Lions are leading their group in the World Cup qualifiers with five points.

Alexander Arnold hails Sterling’s improvement

Elsewhere, Alexander-Arnold praised Raheem Sterling for his improvement since his departure from Liverpool in 2015.

Like the right-back, Sterling surged through the Reds academy but secured a lucrative transfer to Manchester City.

While he did not enjoy his best form with the club last season, he has become a pivotal player in England.

Alexander Arnold described his ascent since his move through the Northwest as “amazing.”

Five former Manchester United players are still available as free agents

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