Gareth Southgate has now been heaping praise on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold after another performance in England’s midfield.
Southgate was speaking to talkSPORT after the game and praised Trent’s defending and his composure in difficult conditions.
Many thought that Trent was slightly underwhelming in his work, with one match rating saying he ‘struggled to make an impact’.
However, Southgate thought the Liverpool defender was in fine form over these two games whilst playing in a new position.
Southgate said: “Very good. His comfort in possession is excellent.
“It was a night where it was hard to play the longer passes as the ball would just run through and bounce through so it was hard to play those passes he so often makes, where he drifts it in behind the defence and it stands for the centre-forward.
“But his awareness of the game and his defensive work in a new position was excellent as well, so he’s done really well in the past two games.”
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Of course, Trent has been playing in an inverted full-back role for Liverpool which often sees him move into midfield, but it is a new experience for the defender starting in centre-midfield.
Southgate pleased with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in new position for England
It now seems as if Southgate will have to rely on the progression of Trent’s performances at Liverpool before the Euros with England next summer.
England don’t meet again until March, so there’s little time for Southgate to test Trent in the role further.
Perhaps the Euros therefore may be too early for Trent to play in the role in England’s biggest games.
Southgate is blessed with options in all positions, and seems unlikely to take unnecessary risks.
Of course, it does feel peculiar that Trent is now the only Liverpool player representing England from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
After Jordan Henderson’s departure it is perhaps Harvey Elliott that is next in line to represent England whilst playing for Liverpool.
That being said, Jurgen Klopp will now already be looking towards a tie with Manchester City on the weekend.
And it certainly bodes well that Lionel Messi is now praising one of Liverpool’s forwards.