Liverpool are set for plenty of change on the pitch next season, with arrivals and exits expected this summer. The powers that be at Anfield will be keen to help Jurgen Klopp’s successor fight successfully on all fronts.
But one change that could take place internally is switching Trent Alexander-Arnold from right-back to central midfield.
Here are three reasons why Liverpool could benefit from moving their defensive star into a more forward-thinking role next season:
Liverpool ace can take his creativity to another level
The full-back role at countless clubs has become more about attacking than defending in the modern game, and that is certainly the case at Anfield.
Andy Robertson has constantly bombed forward down the left over the years for the Reds, with the same to be said of his fellow defender Alexander-Arnold down the right.
Both the left-back and the right-back have enjoyed plenty of success in the final third, producing assist after assist for the forward players, as well as getting in on the goals on plenty of occasions.
But one can only imagine how much more of the ball Alexander-Arnold would see in the middle of the pitch. And that should get his creative juices flowing, with the England ace undoubtedly one of the best passers in world football.
Reds can save big money this summer
While the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have been spending big over the years, Liverpool have been more reserved with their finances.
The Merseyside club do, of course, break the bank, but big-money signings are carefully considered.
A summer of transition is now expected at Anfield, and it remains uncertain exactly how much money will be made available by the powers that be. But they could certainly keep their hands in their pockets by moving Alexander-Arnold forward.
And Reds fans needn’t worry about the right-back should it be vacated, with young star Conor Bradley more than ready to step up.
The Northern Ireland international has already proven in his brief career that he is very talented at both ends of the pitch.
Liverpool need new midfield talent
Liverpool did, of course, strengthen their midfield last summer after the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo coming in to replace them.
But another high-profile Anfield exit is very likely this summer, with the injury prone Thiago set to move on at the end of his contract.
Fortunately there remains the presence of young stars James McConnell and Bobby Clark, and fortunately they should be there for some time to come as they showed great promise this season.
A Rodri or Declan Rice figure would, of course, be warmly welcomed at Anfield, such has been their success at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.
But Alexander-Arnold may be the closest the Reds could get to that for the new season, with the 25-year-old potentially able to bridge the gap between defense and attack.
