"I just don't get it" - Gary Neville stunned by Alexander-Arnold's midfield role in Liverpool vs Arsenal
Published
| Last updated
Gary Neville was confused by Jurgen Klopp's decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield in Liverpool's game against Arsenal.
The England star, who has been much maligned for his defensive contribution at right-back this term, operated in midfield against the Gunners since Liverpool conceded the opener after just eight minutes.
Martinelli opened the scoring before Gabriel Jesus nodded in to make it two and put Liverpool well on course to claiming their first Anfield in since 2012.
While Mohamed Salah pulled one back for Liverpool before the break, much of the conversation has been around Alexander-Arnold's position.
Alexander-Arnold in midfield?
Alexander-Arnold has been among the best passers in world football for a half-decade and it has long been argued that the 24-year-old has the required skillset to play in midfield.
However, not everybody thinks the Liverpool full-back would be best suited to the middle.
Indeed, Gary Neville expressed his dismay in Sky Sports commentary at Alexander-Arnold operating in a midfield berth for much of the opening period.
Loading…
The pundit said: "I just don't get it.
"Surely it takes longer to teach him as a new central midfielder than to be a better right back?"
To reiterate the point Neville highlighted Alexander-Arnold's unique creative ability from the flank, after the Liverpool star flighted a dangerous cross into the Arsenal box in the first half.
The former Manchester United captain said: "This is where Alexander-Arnold is at his very best - out wide on the right where he can see all the runs from that angle.
"It's brilliant from the centre-back [Rob] Holding to just get a touch."
While Neville questioned whether Alexander-Arnold was best suited to midfield, Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith highlighted how Alexander-Arnold's positioning was playing into Arsenal's hands tactically.
Smith said: "With Alexander-Arnold coming into midfield, [Gabriel] Jesus and Martinelli are attacking the right back berth he's left for Konate to try to cover.
"The visitors are finding plenty of space to run into between Liverpool's new-look back three."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Sky Sports
Topics: Football, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal
