Gareth Southgate praised Trent Alexander Arnold for his performance during the Euro 2024 qualifier win against Malta.
- Southgate has given Alexander-Arnold praise for his performance against Malta
- Alexander-Arnold was once again a midfielder for England
- The number 10 jersey was his first too
Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool player who had been playing at right-back for the previous two years, was transferred to midfield by Southgate in ‘s 2-0 victory. The Liverpool player impressed once more. In a game that was full of action, the 25-year old completed 92% passes and won 5 duels. He also recovered possession five times.
Alexander-Arnold, who struggled to get game time at the international level in his role as a fullback, has become an important player for Southgate after a successful move into midfield for the Three Lions.
The England coach was quick to commend the Liverpool player for his outstanding performance in the media after the victory.
He said, “I think [Alexander Arnold] uses the ball very well.” He has exceptional qualities. In the first-half, he and Phil [Foden] were the ones who really appeared to be opening up the game for us.
Alexander-Arnold acknowledged that his skillset suited him to play in the midfield.
The Liverpool player explained, “I played midfield in my teens so I’m familiar with the position.” The Liverpool star explained, “I’ve had to watch and learn how to perform and conduct myself in the middle.
The midfielder is the best fit for my skillset. I am someone who can control the game and the pace, who creates, who breaks lines, who advances the ball along the pitch.
You probably learn more from me when I am in the middle, and I can show my skills as often as possible.
The 25-year old has played a central position for England and at club level he recently switched to an inverted role as a full back for Jurgen Klipp’s team, moving into midfield so he could get on the ball.