TRENT IN MIDFIELD CAN WORK FOR ENGLAND BUT NOT FOR LIVERPOOL

Livero Cancelo and Mikel Arteta with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Klopp used Trent as an inverted full back who helps to create overloads in midfield. Barnes was impressed with his performance for England but has questions as to whether it could work long term in the Liverpool side.

“Wellpool vs Arsenal at Anfield was one of the season’s most entertaining games. It also saw Jurgen Klopp make a tactical twist and shift away from what we’ve come to know from his Liverpool side.

In a similar fashion to the way Pep Guardiola has utilised Joa if Liverpool get a right-back but he plays right-back for Liverpool, moving into midfield without a right-back in possession.”

“For England he played in midfield with a right-back. So, I wouldn’t expect him to be one of the midfield three unless Liverpool get a right-back and I don’t necessarily think they are going to do that.”

“So, I think midfield could be his position for England but for Liverpool, if they get a right-back, that may be a possibility but until that happens, he will continue to play at right-back and move into midfield when they have possession.”

“This is a completely different dynamic than the way he plays for England.”

DO LIVERPOOL HAVE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO TRENT AT RIGHT BACK?

Trent possesses a skillset that heavily revolves around his exceptional vision, precise passing ability, and remarkable execution of challenging passes and crosses. It can be argued that his skillset aligns perfectly with the midfield role he has recently embraced.

However, if Trent were to continue in the midfield position, it could require Liverpool to acquire another right back. Nevertheless, Barnes is of the belief that there are limited alternative options in the league for Liverpool to consider for that specific position.

“Kyle Walker would be good but Kyle Walker isn’t coming.”

“Of course there are right-backs who would be good for Liverpool. Kieran Trippier is another one.”

“But I don’t see any in the Premier League who Liverpool can get. I don’t think they’re looking for a right-back anyway, they’re looking for midfield players.”

WOULD TRENT BE TRUSTED AGAINST TOP TEAMS IN MIDFIELD?

Despite his reluctance to see Trent playing in midfield for Liverpool, Barnes believes there are certain games in which Trent in midfield could work for England. He remains dubious about his ability to play the position in top games however.

“Trent in midfield in certain games. I don’t know if you’re playing against the top teams, Southgate will do that but of course against the two teams they played, it was fairly simple for him to do that.”

“I think it really depends on who they’re playing against which will determine whether Trent plays in midfield.”