Jurgen Klopp vindicated following Liverpool rant about Trent Alexander-Arnold

Jurgen Klopp was very vocal about transforming Trent Alexander-Arnold into a midfielder, questioning aloud: "Why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder?"

Some were left admitting Klopp was right when the 25-year-old Liverpool star was utilised in this role for England's Euro 2024 squad, unfortunately underperforming against both Serbia and Denmark. His usually shining talent seemed to dim when he was moved into a more advanced position on the pitch.

Following a lacklustre draw against Denmark, Gareth Southgate decided to bench Alexander-Arnold in the final group stage match against Slovenia, only choosing to use him in the final minutes. Upon his entry, he resumed his familiar position as a right-back, a spot where he's known to excel.

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Despite clamours from various corners to experiment with having Alexander-Arnold play further up the field, Klopp remained adamant he was best suited as a defender. Southgate, however, chose the path of experimentation by using him as a midfielder, a decision that appears to have now run its course.

Klopp's prior reservations and reasoning now seem reasonable as Alexander-Arnold faces increased scrutiny for England's recent disappointments. In reference to a game against Andorra in 2021, where Alexander-Arnold played as a midfielder, Klopp remained critical, saying: "In this game, in a game where England are that dominant, for example, or that we are that dominant that Trent could play in midfield, I would rather he was the six than in this case the eight.

"That is possible but why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don't understand that really.

"As if the right-back position is not as important as the others. People who say that I struggle to understand how you could think that."

Klopp further elaborated: "If you watch our games then you will see that Trent's position has already changed. Not in all the games but in games where it is possible, so there is no need to now make him a midfield player.

"It is a little bit a shame that we talk in 2021 like this about football. Players play everywhere, especially good players.

"Trent on the right wing was already everywhere on the pitch. Some people think that because he plays 10 yards further up the pitch he would be more influential.

"Being more influential than Trent Alexander-Arnold in the last, I don't know, how many years he has played for me is really tricky. It would mean I would have to have a proper look to find somebody.

"He plays the right position, we adapt and try and use his skills absolutely, but in the end the right-back is the one who defends the right side and he is doing that really well. All the rest when we have the ball, we use him as good as we can."

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