Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals players he's modelling his game on
- Alexander-Arnold admits to taking tips from rival player
- Liverpool right-back has played inverted role at club level
- Gareth Southgate has used him as a central midfielder for England
By Sean Walsh
Trent Alexander-Arnold has admitted he is trying to model his game on that of an England teammate in order to improve playing in his new inverted role.
The Liverpool vice-captain is naturally an attacking right-back, but during the final stretch of the 2022/23 season started to play a position that saw him tuck into midfield when in possession. This tactical switch from Jurgen Klopp coincided with the Reds' hot run of form and so Alexander-Arnold has continued to play that role this term.
At international level, Alexander-Arnold has worked his way back into Gareth Southgate's England plans, though he has primarily played as a central midfielder from the off during recent international fixtures.
Speaking ahead of England's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, Alexander-Arnold revealed he has been watching Manchester City's John Stones, as well as legendary former players, to perfect his craft.
"I enjoy learning about the game. Watching things, watching players, different systems, different teams, how different players play it and there are some players who play it really well," Alexander-Arnold said.
"I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role - I don't know what people call it these days - then it [the example to follow] is obviously John Stones.
"He is someone who, for a long time, I have admired his game; he is exceptional, so I watch him a lot - clips or even when I am just watching City's games, I will sit and focus on him.
"I have always admired him and I admire the way [Stones' City teammate] Rodri plays.
"He is pivotal in that team and someone who is massively underrated but like we have seen recently, when you take him out of the team, they are not the same. That just shows how important he is.
"I would say it is those kinds of players I watch, but there are a lot. I will watch players from the past as well - [Sergio] Busquets, [Xabi] Alonso, [Andrea] Pirlo, Stevie G [Gerrard] - those players I have always enjoyed watching."
Stones has played most of his career as a centre-back, but began stepping into midfield from right-back during Man City's treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, gaining acclaim from fans and pundits for his performances in such a role.
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