Jamie Carragher explains why Trent Alexander-Arnold could thrive in new role at Liverpool

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold could become a crucial player for Jurgen Klopp in midfield, claims Jamie Carragher.

The right-back is already providing plenty of assists from a defensive position, but he could be even more influential going forward, Carragher says.

If the 21-year-old wanted to play in the ‘Kevin De Bruyne-type role’ in midfield, it would be his for the taking.

Carragher reckons he’s already a better player on the ball than any other midfielder in the Liverpool squad.

“I’m talking about the progression for him going forward,” Carragher told talkSPORT. “There’s talk that Liverpool have a really promising, young, full-back coming through – [Ki-Jana] Hoever. He’s a young lad that plays right-back.

“I was just thinking about in the future, it could be something for Liverpool to look at. But, in terms of his creativity, he’s still probably getting as many assists – or is just behind – De Bruyne.

“And it’s not the old position full-back. You know as I famously said, ‘No one wants to grow up to be Gary Neville’.

“It’s actually a very, very important role now, and you see that from Liverpool and how involved full-backs are now. He probably has more touches than anyone; I’m not sure what the stats are, but I think full-backs probably touch the ball more than anyone.

“So he is massively involved, but I definitely see, going forward, if he wanted to play that role, or if Liverpool have another right-back coming through, or Liverpool wanted more creativity, there is no doubt.

“On the ball, he is probably better than what Liverpool have in those players.

“Those players have different strengths, but you could imagine him in that De Bruyne position – just tucked in on the right.

“You see the assists De Bruyne has from a different position than Trent, he’s obviously wider and he’s crossing it. De Bruyne is more passing it really. Maybe that’s something we could see in the future.”

Alexander-Arnold has already made 97 appearances for Liverpool, having spent his entire career to date in the red half of Merseyside.

He’s scored five goals for the club, but crucially, has also recorded 23 assists.

Last season, the right-back set up 12 goals for his team-mates in 29 appearances.

After already recording two assists in the league this season, he’s on track to break his record for a single season.