Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold will play “wherever it is best for us” sfollowing his late winner from midfield against Fulham.
Alexander-Arnold began at right-back however pushed into midfield late on, sparking a debate about whether or not he may completely play there.
However Klopp doesn’t wish to pin the England worldwide to 1 place.
“We nonetheless need to make selections on what’s greatest for the staff and Trent sees it precisely the identical manner,” he mentioned.
“Trent can play midfield, all of us knew that and he can play the position rather well.
“If he needs to be good he needs to be influential from all completely 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 throughout 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 grew to become one of the crucial profitable gamers within the historical past of Liverpool. Within the current historical past, he grew to become 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 manner,” 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 however it is not going to have any affect.
“He needs to play and from my perspective he needs to be influential and we’ve to ensure we assist him with the positioning.
“If you wish to be good he needs to be influential from all completely different areas as a result of it simply makes us higher if he performs an excellent sport.”
In the meantime, defender Joel Matip may very well be set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after Klopp mentioned his knee harm “does not look good”.
Matip was compelled off throughout the second half of Sunday’s win towards Fulham at Anfield.
“The scan just isn’t performed but so we do not know precisely however it’s not nice,” mentioned Klopp, whose facet journey to Sheffield United on Wednesday.
“I do not know the precise timescale however it does not look good. That’s one thing we will say.
“I spoke to him and mentioned: ‘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 injuries throughout final month’s draw at Manchester Metropolis, although they aren’t 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.