Trent ‘learned’ new ‘exciting’ Liverpool role ‘as we played’ Arsenal game – ‘It feels natural for me’
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on his position change and how he had to “learn it as we played it” for the first time against Arsenal.
The England international is back to his best and has helped Liverpool win seven Premier League games in a row to give them an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Reds are now one point off fourth-placed Manchester United, who do have a game in hand.
Since moving into a more central role when his side are in possession, Trent has provided a goal contribution in six of his eight appearances, notching six assists and one goal.
It has been superb to see him thrive after an extremely difficult spell, and the 24-year-old has now explained how the tactical tweak came about.
Trent says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp did not give him details about the position change until a day before the Premier League draw against Arsenal, noting that he was thrown into the deep end to “learn” the role.
“We were on the training pitch when the gaffer got out the tactics sheet and showed me it,” Trent told The Athletic.
“Everything was normal defensively. And then with the ball he wanted me as a second number six.
“The idea around it, as it was explained to me, was about improving our inside play. Controlling the centre. Getting an extra player in that area. He trusted me to be able to do what I needed to do to make it work.
“I was excited. I saw it as an opportunity. It’s a position I’d not played before. I just wanted to go out there and prove that I could do it.
“We couldn’t prep much around it, if I’m being honest. With it being the day before the game, it was only a brief session. For Arsenal specifically, it was a case of trying to learn it as we played it.
“It feels good, it feels natural for me. I feel like I’m able to perform there. I’m able to affect games, change games, and dictate games.
“I want to keep doing it. I want to help the team to keep winning games. Hopefully, we can win the last two and finish this season on a high.”
Liverpool host Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon while Manchester United face Bournemouth away from home in what will be a critical day in the race for Champions League qualification.
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