Tim Sherwood makes big claim about Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold

Add as preferred source on Google

Tim Sherwood has told Optus Sport’s The Analysis Show that if you were to ask Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold where he wants to play for Liverpool – he would respond by stating the number eight role.

Alexander-Arnold, 22, has broken into the Liverpool side as the club’s right-back over the last few years – with 160 senior outings for the Merseyside outfit now under his belt. In that time, he has had a hand in 49 goals.

He is the future of Liverpool, another example of the Reds being able to produce top talent – while European heavyweights continue to spend big money on the next top talent. Liverpool, meanwhile, are developing them.

But the £40k-a-week (Spotrac) star has struggled this season, The right-back has long been touted as a future midfielder and Sherwood thinks if you were to ask the number 66, he would prefer a Steven Gerrard-like role.

“Some of the youth coaches at Liverpool, they will say as a kid Trent was a midfielder,” Sherwood said. “You ask him now, which position does he want to play? He will say as a number 8, like Steven Gerrard – up and down.”

TBR’s view – Alexander-Arnold in midfield?

Clearly, he boasts the technical ability to be able to do so, and the engine. He has that Liverpool connection that can make him a great in midfield – as did Gerrard – while also boasting a goal threat and the creativity required.

The question is that Alexander-Arnold has been excellent from right-back. Although he has been inconsistent this season, taking him away from right-back would see Liverpool lose the threat he provides from the right flank.

Alexander-Arnold, though, has been criticised for his defensive weaknesses and putting him in midfield would nullify that. So, perhaps using him as a number eight is the way forward – if the Reds bring in a new right-back.