Trent Alexander-Arnold is talented enough to play in Real Madrid’s midfield, according to one former Liverpool ace.
The 25-year-old is gearing up for Euro 2024 with England after an impressive Premier League campaign with the Reds.
The jury is still out on where Alexander-Arnold is best utilised for both club and country with right-back and midfield both viable options.
Reports on Monday claimed the Liverpool star is set to start Sunday’s Euro 2024 opener with Serbia in an advanced midfield role due to his composure on the ball and playmaking ability.
Questions have been raised previously on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive qualities with the star guilty of defensive mishaps on multiple occasions.
Former Liverpool Striker Dean Saunders believes Alexander-Arnold’s future is in midfield and says he could play there for European champions Real Madrid.
“I’ve said in the past, if Trent plays right-back you’ve got to score two goals because he gives one away,” Saunders told talKSPORT.
“But in midfield I think he’s more suited especially when he drifts out to the right and you can allow him to float and play with [Bukayo] Saka and Kyle Walker and join that triangle.
“You know when the ball comes to him, he’s whipping a cross around people, he’s hitting a diagonal, he’s chopping it into feet.
“I think he’s the most creative player but it remains to be seen. I think he could play for Real Madrid in midfield.
“I think the combination of [Jude] Bellingham, [Declan] Rice and Trent is perfect. Trent can do things nobody else can do.”
The Liverpool star has seldom appeared in midfield this season under Jurgen Klopp who preferred to see him take up the right-back berth.
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He was handed the vice-captaincy at Anfield and repaid the outgoing Reds boss with a string of fine performances as Liverpool qualified for next season’s Champions League.
But Sunday’s clash in Gelsenkirchen is likely to see him play a more creative role for the Three Lions.
If Alexander-Arnold is selected in midfield Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is the player likely to miss out.
Mainoo has been tipped to partner Rice in midfield but boss Gareth Southgate may opt for experience as England look to open their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory.