Liverpool legend Steve Nicol thinks Jurgen Klopp should start Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield against Arsenal at Anfield today.
Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world's best right-backs under Jurgen Klopp. However, like so many members of the German's squad, the England international is having a poor season by the high standards he has set himself.
The 24-year-old was dropped to the bench for the 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Tuesday. But pundit Nicol, who won 10 trophies during his 13-year Liverpool career, wants to see Alexander-Arnold restored to the starting line-up against the table-topping Gunners - but in midfield.
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"I hope he (Klopp) plays Trent Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the park on the right-hand side," said Nicol on ESPN FC. "Klopp doesn't really have many options. He's never given us any sniff he's going to change from 4-3-3, so I'm not expecting him to do it now, so why don't you play Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side? Play him where he's best and that is from the halfway line forward.
"We know he can't defend, but he doesn't really have to defend per se in the middle of the park in my opinion. All he has to do is shuffle and shepherd people around, and close the ball down without letting people run past him.
"I think he'd be safe in there and the fact is, it's not really much of a gamble because Liverpool in the middle of the park, regardless of who has had the jersey on, have been getting walked over anyway. So does it really make any difference? Take advantage of the fact this kid can play but can't really defend."
Reds boss Klopp went with the recalled Curtis Jones alongside captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield against Chelsea and the academy graduate was one of the better performers at Stamford Bridge.
But Nicol would select Alexander-Arnold over Jones - and have no place in his line-up for the fit-again Naby Keita, who looks set to depart Anfield in the summer at the end of his contract.
Nicol said: "He's (Klopp) previously had options he thought would be better - people like Keita, who has been an absolute wash. He's always had other options than play Trent in middle of the park. Now I don't see him having any other options.
"Yes, you can play Jones, because he likes to play there, but Jones isn't good enough right now either. So why don't you play him (Alexander-Arnold)? What are Liverpool going to lose? I don't see a downside."
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