Trent’s England Comeback Can Aid Liverpool’s Resurgence
Despite the summer transfer inactivity’s of the new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, causing angst for much of the Liverpool fanbase, one long term asset and illustrious member of the squad would have been rejoicing at his own good fortune and change of personal management.
I am not referring to either the departure of the former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, or the appointment of his successor, Arne Slot, it must be noted. My words relate to another former steward, one who seemed forever reluctant to embrace the elite level subject of this piece.
Trent Alexander Arnold spent the early post season of 2023/24 (and build up to the most recent European Championships), as the player that may finally emerge for his country on the international stage. The decision by the then Three Lions manager, Gareth Southgate, was to temporarily sidestep his reservations over the fullback’s minor defensive frailties, by drafting him into a midfield position for his final silverware chasing setup.
Fabrizio Romano on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation:
“It’s the same situation as Van Dijk and Mo Salah. It’s a priority for Liverpool. Conversations to follow between Trent, his agents, and Liverpool to understand what’s going to be next.” pic.twitter.com/T5lsz77k0h
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) September 16, 2024
It was the club created hybrid initiative which allowed this England alteration to materialise, however, being able to step into midfield within a common and defined system of play (for the reds), was never going to fully translate into a misshapen and full-time international endeavour. Ultimately, the choice to blood a gifted playmaking full back into a holding midfield role, was always something that would fall flat and the former Middlesbrough manager did not hesitate to make the brilliant Anfield asset his early tournament scapegoat.
What Has Changed Since Southgate Stepped Down?
The major difference in the previously flawed regime and with the new interim England boss, Lee Carsley, has been a clear level of confidence that has been shown in the outstanding Premier and Champions League winning asset.
Without looking too far backwards and the peculiar decisions undertaken by the former England manager, the lack of bravery and understanding of the modern game, has me likening the 54-year-old towards the like of Sam Allardyce, Tony Pulis, and perhaps Sean Dyche, as that dogmatic overseer who is far more comfortable in holding out for a draw, than attempting to take the game away from an opponent.
With new leadership spring fresh hope and ideas, which was evident in the recent international break. during that two-game window, there were two outstanding performances which allowed a man of the match prize to be rewarded for each encounter. Trent Alexander Arnold was the overwhelming recipient of both awards and you could see the shackles torn away, with a renewed purpose allowed to flourish.
What Comes Next?
Despite witnessing that horrendous 0-1 loss to Nottingham Forest (this past weekend), it should act as a learning curve encounter, which must be taken on board by a tactically aware Head Coach, Arne Slot. The focus must be to work with key individuals (such as Trent), and find the specific answers in relation to the multiple problems that arose at Anfield on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/liammlfc/status/1833629868044783807?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
With any superb talent will always come one or two areas that need special attention and communication. The current Liverpool vice-captain is one of a handful of players in world football that sets the bar for his positional peers, making his importance unique to the management team. There will of course be moments of frustration, though the genius of such individuals must be harnessed and directed accordingly, to achieve greatness.
This ongoing 2024/25 season is not about a regeneration or mass overhaul, it is about finding the right system and tempo to suit the world-class assets within. Contracts need to be delivered to the trio of Trent, Virgil, and Mo, alongside new recruits that need to be sourced for silverware to be attained over the coming years.
This next four year spell may well create a glittering period in the history of this illustrious football club, one that could be underpinned by the form of one of its most famous servants, the homegrown hero Trent Alexander Arnold.
