“He’s better than Zinchenko” – Presenter claims Liverpool have “best in the world” for new role

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been given a more central role at the Reds where he can roam with more freedom.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has experimented with some tactical augmentations recently as his side come swiftly towards the close of play this season.

Results have improved, as the German coach has led his side to eleven matches unbeaten in the Premier League, though their efforts to sneak into the top-four look fell just short.

Nevertheless, the last period has been a useful one in terms of finding out what may work for next term, with no learning curve coming bigger than Trent Alexander-Arnold’s positive performances in a more advanced role following a tactical switch to allow the England international to drive further forward.

What’s the latest news on Trent Alexander-Arnold and why is he so good when inverted?

Speaking to Football FanCast, Red TV pundit Paul Machin believes Alexander-Arnold is the ‘best in the world’ in his role as an inverted full-back and thinks that this tactical style may be the way forward for Liverpool.

Machin told FFC: “Right now, we still need him to do that inverted full-back job because there’s no point in getting another right-back or going back to 4-3-3. We’re not sure that system even works anymore. I think if if we persist with this system, Trent is the best in the world at doing that role. He’s better than Zinchenko and he’s better than John Stones.”

It has to be said, his recent numbers do back up the notion that he should stay in his new position for good, as the 24-year-old has notched one goal and seven assists in his 10 appearances since moving into central areas more often, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note a marked improvement in the consistency of his performances, as £180k-a-week earner Alexander-Arnold hasn’t dropped a display that has ranked below 6.91/10 since being deployed in the side with a slightly different function.

Unsurprisingly, he has earned plenty of praise recently, including from Brentford manager Thomas Frank, as per The Mirror, who said: “He’s a very, very good footballer and I understand why Jurgen constantly talks positively about him and uses him in the best way. His passing range and ability is probably among the best in the world. I can’t remember the stats but he must be one of the top assist makers in the Premier League ever. He could be a midfielder in the future. I know he’s being used there now when in possession and the game has developed where there are positions in possession and positions out of possession. But in the midfield he adds something to Liverpool that’s of a high, high value.”

Liverpool have had a void regarding inventiveness in their midfield this campaign which Alexander-Arnold could help to combat moving forward. FBRef shows that he has been a skilled chance provider this season, successfully performing 142 shot-creating actions in total.

BBC Sport relay that England manager Gareth Southgate has recalled Alexander-Arnold for his side’s Euro 2024 qualifiers in June and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of utilising the Liverpool-born ace as a midfielder, stating: “He’s a super footballer. He’s playing in a slightly different role which I think has invigorated him in the last few months. He has always been in advanced areas with the ball, he is just a bit more central now. It is interesting for us and an option and something I have spoken to him about in recent weeks. We are looking forward to working with Trent.”

Alexander-Arnold looks to have rediscovered his best form and will undoubtedly be a massive asset for Liverpool heading into next season as they bid to get back to their best under Klopp, who will be excited over what the future could hold for his side following some successful tactical changes.

READ NEXT..

Mauricio Pochettino has personally told Chelsea to sign player wanted by Liverpool and PSG – Reports

Chelsea’s rumored new manager Mauricio Pochettino has asked the club to strike a deal for Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) target Manuel Ugarte.

The Blues are said to be in the market to sign a defensive midfielder, with N’Golo Kante expected to leave the club. The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire this summer and no agreement has been reached over an extension.

Chelsea could look at Ugarte as a long-term partner to club-record signing Enzo Fernandez in midfield. Ugarte has burst onto the scene at Sporting CP this season and has attracted the interest of top clubs across Europe.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea have entered negotiations for the 22-year-old and have the green light from Pochettino to pursue the midfielder.

Romano took to Twitter and said:

“Understand Manuel Ugarte has been approved as target also by Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea are pushing in talks with club and player side, Jorge Mendes’ on it. PSG proposal, still valid on the table. No decision yet, but Chelsea will keep insisting.”

Ugarte has developed into one of the top young midfielders in the world. The 22-year-old joined Famalicao from Uruguayan club Centro Atletico Fenix in December 2020 before moving to Portuguese giants Sporting for a fee of €6.5 million in August 2021.

Having been signed as a backup to Joao Palhinha, Ugarte took the Portuguese midfielder’s spot in the team following his move to Fulham.

French outlet Le Parisien have reported that Liverpool see Ugarte as one of their top priorities for the summer window. The Reds are ready to pay the €60 million release clause in the player’s contract to secure his services.

Liverpool looking to raid Chelsea for two star players

Mount is likely to depart Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Liverpool have identified Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Levi Colwill as two possible transfer targets for the summer window. According to Goal, the Reds admire both players but are unlikely to secure a deal for the duo.

Mount is set to leave Stamford Bridge after the 24-year-old was unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the side. Reports suggest that Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners for the midfielder. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Mount is favoring a move to United over Liverpool.

Colwill, on the other hand, remains unlikely to depart Chelsea. The 20-year-old has impressed in his loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion and is expected to return to his parent side for the next season