Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold will play “wherever it is best for us” following his late winner from midfield towards Fulham.
Alexander-Arnold began at right-back however pushed into midfield late on, sparking a debate about whether or not he might completely play there.
However Klopp doesn’t wish to pin the England worldwide to 1 place.
“We nonetheless must make selections on what’s finest for the staff and Trent sees it precisely the identical approach,” he stated.
“Trent can play midfield, all of us knew that and he can play the position rather well.
“If he needs to be good he must be influential from all totally different areas as a result of it makes us higher.”
Alexander-Arnold’s attacking instincts have led to some criticism of his defensive attributes and questions over whether or not he could be simpler additional ahead.
He began each of England’s European qualifiers towards North Macedonia and Malta in central midfield through the November worldwide break.
The 25-year-old was again at full-back when Liverpool resumed Premier League motion at champions Manchester Metropolis, however did rating a late equaliser within the 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium.
“Trent turned one of the crucial profitable gamers within the historical past of Liverpool. Within the current historical past, he turned a Premier League participant as a right-back so he’ll play wherever it is best for us and that is simply how it’s and Trent sees it precisely the identical approach,” added Klopp.
“I am not cussed and do not wish to play him midfield, under no circumstances, however I’m not a part of the dialogue. You [the media] can focus on it as a lot as you need but it surely is not going to have any affect.
“He needs to play and from my perspective he must be influential and now we have to ensure we assist him with the positioning.
“If you wish to be good he must be influential from all totally different areas as a result of it simply makes us higher if he performs an excellent recreation.”
In the meantime, defender Joel Matip could possibly be set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after Klopp stated his knee damage “would not look good”.
Matip was compelled off through the second half of Sunday’s win towards Fulham at Anfield.
“The scan shouldn’t be performed but so we do not know precisely however it’s not nice,” stated Klopp, whose facet journey to Sheffield United on Wednesday.
“I do not know the precise timescale but it surely would not look good. That’s one thing we are able to say.
“I spoke to him and stated: ‘Ah no, that isn’t good’. However how lengthy [he will be injured for], we do not know.”
Ahead Diogo Jota and goalkeeper Alisson suffered muscle accidents throughout final month’s draw at Manchester Metropolis, although they don’t seem to be anticipated to be out long-term.
The Merseyside membership are additionally with out full-back Andy Robertson as he recovers from shoulder surgical procedure, whereas midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic have but to make an look this season due to hip and adductor accidents respectively.
