Trent Alexander-Arnold explains why he is scouting two Man City players ahead of Liverpool clash

Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool describes in detail his new role on the team and identifies six players he closely monitors in an effort to develop even more.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will observe Liverpool commence their video analysis later next week in preparation for the enticing trip to Manchester City. It will be like returning to an old routine.

In fact, the Reds vice-captain has already devoted countless hours to scrutinizing the solitary opponent who has offered insights into his ability to adjust to the tactical altercation that has contributed to the rejuvenation of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Alexander-Arnold states, “As someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role — I’m not sure what they call it these days — it is John Stones.” “He is an individual whom I have long held in high regard. He is remarkable, so I frequently observe him.

“Whether I am simply watching City’s games or clips, I will sit and concentrate on him.” As well, I admire Rodri’s playing style. He is an indispensable member of that group and is grossly undervalued; however, as we have recently seen, they are not the same without him. Simply put, that demonstrates his significance.

“I would categorize the athletes I observe as such, although there are many others. I will also watch players from the past whom I have always relished watching, including Busquets, Alonso, Pirlo, and Stevie G.

An ensemble troupe. However, Alexander-Arnold has consistently set ambitious goals for his development, and the consequences of being liberated from the constraints at right-back are readily apparent. 15 of the twenty-one games in which the 25-year-old has started have been victories for the Reds, while six have been draws. They remain undefeated.

Alexander-Arnold’s increased freedom to drift into the midfield has enabled him to exert a larger influence on Liverpool’s attack, which has resulted in nine assists in those matches.

However, numbers do not exclusively represent the transformation. Observe how Alexander-Arnold was in a central position to deliver the forward pass that set up Mohamed Salah’s opener for Darwin Nunez to lay on in Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Brentford at Anfield. As a consequence, the Reds will progress to the Etihad on Saturday week a single point behind the leaders in second place. The ongoing competition has been reignited.

“It is an entirely different system and a completely different role,” the Liverpool player explains. “While there are additional responsibilities that I must attend to, the majority of it remains consistent. From an individual standpoint, it has consistently been about playing with the license to touch the ball and attempting to generate opportunities and advance the team up the pitch.

“However, the emphasis has shifted to executing those passes from a more central and stable midfield position.” “I am essentially striving to create opportunities for the team, facilitate outcomes, and secure victories for us; that is all I seek to accomplish in the world.”

Undoubtedly, Alexander-Arnold has benefited from Klopp’s change in stance; he had only two years prior questioned England manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to “make the best right-back in the world a midfielder” for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

“As I see it and as I am instructed and instructed to play it, it is almost as if I am a right-back when we have the ball and a midfielder when we do not,” Alexander-Arnold says of his hybrid position at Liverpool. “I play in midfield 60% of the time, so people are inherently receptive to the notion of me occupying that position on the pitch.

“At this time, I am not afforded the opportunity to develop my defensive skills there; however, I am diligently studying the subject. I take great pleasure in acquiring knowledge about the game through observation, including participants, various systems, teams, and the proficient play of certain individuals.

Southgate, of course, has gone the full nine yards with Alexander-Arnold, who is now predominantly regarded as a midfielder by his country, despite having started against Australia at right-back last month. His outstanding performances against North Macedonia and Malta this summer indicate that the transition is worthwhile.

“Based on my discussions with the manager (Southgate) and the staff, I intend to train and play on the pitch there as a midfielder, with the exception of the last Australia match,” the Liverpool player explains. “In fact, it assists me in that regard.” “Although I do not consistently play in the midfield for Liverpool, I am gaining possession of the ball in central areas and understanding how to receive and conduct myself. Playing a game in midfield is very different from playing on the flanks of the field.”

Moreover, Alexander-Arnold has already provided Liverpool with service as a complete defensive midfielder this season. Having made two appearances in preseason, he started the final 30 minutes of this month’s League Cup victory at Bournemouth in that capacity. Furthermore, he provided a form of assist for Darwin Nunez’s game-winning goal.

However, what are the most significant distinctions between a number six and an inverted right-back? “I believe that as the ball progresses up the pitch, protection and thwarting counterattacks become more important,” he says. “More discipline is present.”

“When I enter the game as a right-back, Endo or Macca (Alexis Mac Allister), who was under Fabinho last season, are still present; their responsibility and function is to maintain the number six position. It remains unwavering. It is my responsibility to enter the field while maintaining the autonomy to underlap or overlap Mo (Salah), enter the box, fire, or cross.

“However, the role of a number six is more predetermined; functioning as a defensive midfielder, it is your responsibility, in conjunction with the two center-backs, to prevent the striker from receiving the ball when it exits the box, allowing them to construct upon it thereafter.” “That is likely the most important; the remainder consists of getting used to where I should be positionally, relying heavily on instinct and attempting to read the game in advance to position myself appropriately.”

This week, England will once more be in opposition to Malta and North Macedonia; therefore, Alexander-Arnold might have the chance to review his midfield techniques. However, the true test of his new Liverpool role will be against the man he has been attentively observing at the Etihad Stadium, injury permitting.