The debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s best position has resurfaced following his match-winning performance against Fulham. In a recent game against Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s game-plan targeted Alexander-Arnold, leading to the selection of Jeremy Doku on the left wing. However, Alexander-Arnold had a significant impact on the game, scoring a late equalizer and earning praise from Jurgen Klopp.

Despite needing assistance to contain Doku, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive contributions were crucial, as the winger failed to score or assist. This performance highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s ability to influence games from the right-back position. After a challenging 2022-23 campaign, Liverpool has undergone a resurgence and currently sits second in the Premier League standings after 14 rounds. Alexander-Arnold’s evolution as a player has played a part in Liverpool’s improved form.

Part of Alexander-Arnold’s transformation can be attributed to a change in his role. He is not only Liverpool’s vice-captain but also a homegrown hybrid hero. He has been given the freedom to step into midfield and influence games. This change began after Liverpool’s previous visit to the Etihad, where Klopp asked Alexander-Arnold to play as an “inverted full-back” against Arsenal. In this role, he would defend as a right-back but transition into midfield when Liverpool had possession, forming a double pivot with Fabinho in a 3-2-2-3 formation.

The gаmble paid off, as Liverpool came back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw against Arsenal and embarked on a seven-game winning streak. Alexander-Arnold’s impact as an auxiliary midfielder was evident, as he contributed seven assists in Liverpool’s final 10 games of the Premier League season. This was a significant improvement compared to his previous output of only two assists.

The shift in Alexander-Arnold’s position has sparked a debate over his best role, which has been ongoing since England manager Gareth Southgate initially deployed him in midfield during a World Cup qualifier against Andorra two years ago. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to dictate and control games from right-back, as well as his evolution as a player in midfield, has reignited the discussion over his optimal position.