17 May 2023 , 18:09
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Jurgen Klopp has been urged to deploy Calvin Ramsay at right-back if he wants to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a new midfield role.
Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold has occupied his slot on the right of the defence for much of Klopp's tenure and has been part of a hugely successful period. His quality in the final third has been crucial to his team's philosophy, but issues with his defending have continued to be a problem.
Alexander-Arnold's ability in the defensive third has copped regular criticism and there have been those who've doubted whether the England international can play there long-term. Ramsay was signed from Aberdeen in the summer, but has been unable to get a look-in thus far.
A slot could open up however if Klopp opts to push Alexander-Arnold higher up the pitch, further utilising his delivery and distribution, whilst freeing him of defensive responsibility. Liverpool legend John Barnes believes a positional switch could be the way forward, which also hands a chance to the young Scot.
He told Bonuscodebets : “I think this will depend upon if Liverpool keep playing the same way and have Trent playing in this inverted midfielder role or just use him as a midfielder going forward. If they use Trent as an out and out midfielder there could be some space for Calvin Ramsey.
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“When Trent does go into midfield from right back we have been exposed down the right side. If Calvin does come in next season it will mean that one of the three midfield players will need to drop out which could mess with the dynamic of the rest of the team. Calvin has been unlucky with injuries.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at right-back has long been debated (Getty Images)Alexander-Arnold continued to showcase his quality in the attacking third with a sensational strike in Liverpool's 3-0 win at Leicester. It is not the first time he's hammered home a set piece, but the likes of Jamie Carragher have aired concerns about him as a long-term right-back option.
Earlier this season he said on CBS Sports: "We all know his defending isn't good enough - and I don't think it will ever be good enough. We're talking about a player who's played 260 games now - it is not going to massively improve. When Liverpool drop off and aren't one of the best in Europe, now they're one of the pack.
"They now do more defending, less attacking. You see the worst traits of Trent and not his strengths going forward and that's a massive problem. If Liverpool are trying to qualify for the Champions League on a yearly basis, I'm not sure Trent is your man at right-back. If they get back to being one of Europe's best, then he is your man, but right now he needs help."