Arne Slot & The Trent Alexander Arnold Dilemma | OneFootball

Arne Slot & The Trent Alexander Arnold Dilemma

The impending appointment of Arne Slot to replace the outgoing Jürgen Klopp, has taken the Liverpool fanbase by storm, with so many of the support unfamiliar with the current Feyenoord head coach. I will admit, that other than the name of the 45-year-old Eredivisie manager, I too was largely unfamiliar with the next Anfield boss, which in no way diminishes the stature of the man chosen to fill those legendary shoes. Many stories and opinions will continue to emerge from various sources, as English football media familiarises itself with someone that is confirmed to take on one of the biggest jobs in world football.

Over the coming weeks and until the end of the season, I will be looking at how the appointee of Michael Edwards will likely affect current squad members. There will be many questions posed by journalists over the coming months, with so many different obstacles to be navigated before the start of the 2024/25 season. My initial thoughts revolve around what will happen with the current vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, who has spent the last year of his Merseyside career moving from the defence to midfield, as part of the controversial hybrid initiative. I for one cannot see how that system of play will continue under new leadership, given how open it has made this Liverpool side at times, therefore, I will be looking at how the new manager may utilise one of England’s great talents.

How Will Arne Slot Utilise Trent in the New System of Play…?

It has been driven home on countless occasions that a 4-2-3-1 formation will be carried over from the Eredivisie, before being immersed into the former Premier League champions. Under the stewardship of the red’s illustrious manager, Jürgen Klopp, a disjointed and uncoordinated game plan has gradually fallen away. Much of the success of the off ball 4-3-3 and on ball 3-4-3 systems, required Liverpool to outscore and overwhelm the opposition. In this past month or so where results have fallen from good to horrendous, the inability to keep clean sheets or control defensive situations have become intolerable. Regarding Trent, now must be the time where the reluctant full back is moved away from the rearguard and integrated into the next midfield group, on a full-time basis. In a midfield double pivot, my hope is that the playmaker and master passer is partnered with a new and ferocious ball winner, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to move forward and into the number 10 position. In some ways, that perspective trio could offer perfect balance and creativity, whilst harbouring a new defensive asset who can balance the more offensive traits around him.

In any season there will absolutely be the need to move bodies around the board, as fatigue and injuries limit the ability to name that ideal starting eleven, week after week. I this instance, the need for a fully stocked area will be needed to ensure all bases are covered. My fear in keeping the famous number 66 as an attacking full back, is that his recent push further forward would create resentment if he were to be reined in. This is no longer a young footballer who is being moulded into what the team needs, but a highly experienced superstar who is now finally enjoying international recognition in the middle ground. With new ideas and the ability to adjust from his predecessor, Arne Slot should take this opportunity to build a new and stronger midfield that incorporates the vice-captain on a permanent basis. With Joe Gomez and the super talented Conor Bradley able to take on right back duties, that would also help to solidify the four-man defence whilst adding brilliance to the midfield group.

Only time will tell how the squad will be shaken up, however, if Trent Alexander the defender is to be retired and rebuilt into a central controller, it could drive a tremendous player to even greater footballing levels.