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'Trent Alexander-Arnold can be England's Cafu – if they embrace attacking football'

'Trent Alexander-Arnold can be England's Cafu – if they embrace attacking football' - GETTY IMAGES
'Trent Alexander-Arnold can be England's Cafu – if they embrace attacking football' - GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has urged England to embrace the unlimited attacking potential of Trent Alexander-Arnold and make him the national team's Cafu.

The right-back has yet to shine for his country in the same thrilling manner as his club, with England coach Gareth Southgate eager to untap the rich talent in time for this November’s World Cup.

Lijnders suggested it all depends on the tactical approach as to whether England can get the best from the 23-year-old.

“It is only my opinion but if you see the game in an attacking way, he gave that position such a creative boost over the last few years. True or not? Like Cafu did in the past,” said Lijnders.

“For me there are no limits and if you see the game in a certain way then, for sure (Alexander-Arnold will shine in Qatar). But you can see the game in many different ways.”

The reference to seeing the game “in an attacking way” can only be interpreted as a reference to England’s more cautious approach, a clear contrast with Liverpool.

Under Klopp, Alexander-Arnold has become one of Europe’s most productive talents, redefining the right-back role. Klopp himself expressed bemusement as to how Alexander-Arnold has been used by England in the past, questioning ‘why the best full-back in the world would be played in midfield’.

“He sees things that the stadium doesn’t see,” said Lijnders. “He sees things that I don’t see. It is for us to put him in the right position to excel. There is always more – to create more, score more, defend better – but he knows this better than anyone else. There is always room to improve.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the driving forces of Jurgen Klopp's side - EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the driving forces of Jurgen Klopp's side - EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Lijnders has worked with Alexander-Arnold since coaching him as a 15-year-old at Liverpool’s academy. When speaking at the launch of his book ‘Intensity’, chronicling Liverpool’s 2021-22 campaign, Lijnders was accompanied by his two children - Romijn and Benjamin. Both were sporting Liverpool jerseys with Alexander-Arnold’s name on the back.

In the book, Lijnders reveals how at the start of last season Alexander-Arnold met him to request being part of Liverpool captain’s group.

“I think that is a really important part of his game that he is close to [James Milner] and [Jordan Henderson] in this leadership group,” said Lijnders.

“If you saw pre-season then the games he played he reached a new level in my opinion. The way he dominated the right side offensively but also defensively was remarkable and if I see this boy it just makes me really proud. He trains in the same way he was when he was 15.

“The smile, the fire, our relationship is of course very strong and you don’t have many captains in your life as a coach hopefully. Otherwise that would mean you work in many different clubs and that is not a good sign, but if you don't have many captains then the captains you have are really special.

“The bond between the manager and the captain will just never pass. I see a boy who grew, who is still growing and I really believe that life doesn’t have limits. You have to stay creative, stay unpredictable. Take for example the one-touch pass to Luis Diaz in the Manchester City game. Did we see that coming? No. But that’s freedom.”

Meanwhile, Lijnders has revealed that Liverpool will relocate to Dubai for mid-season training to prepare for the post-World Cup resumption of the Premier League.

“Last season felt like a marathon with 63 games. This season feels like it’s a sprint, a break and then a sprint again,” said Lijnders.

“So it is important to start fast and Dubai has to create that we start fast again after the World Cup. You cannot waste time in this season.”


Pep Lijnders was speaking at the launch of his book ‘Intensity’ published by Reach Sport. Available here.