Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is unclear – in terms of which position he may find himself playing in the next few years, with many seeing the Liverpool star capable of playing as a central-midfielder.
The England International has been trialled there before for his country, but didn’t look very comfortable playing in the position compared to the likes of Jude Bellingham – but there is no doubt he has enough ability and intelligence to transition there one day should Reds boss Jurgen Klopp want him to do so.
Should the right-back be deployed further up the field someday, it would leave a massive void at right-back, which could be replaced by loaned-out prospect Neco Williams – who has excelled at Fulham so far after joining a month ago today.
What position will Trent Alexander-Arnold play in five years time?
Right-Back
Centre-Midfield
Already with two assists under his belt, including one to pick out Aleksandar Mitrovic for his Championship record-levelling goal, Williams is beginning to show some of the form that he has for Wales, which has led to fans calling him, “phenomenal”.
Having already put in some impressive shifts, with Virgil Van Dijk next to him in defence, for Liverpool, it’s no doubt that when Williams is called-upon to cover, he is a reliable option to slot in.
Fulham teammate Harry Wilson, who also played with him at Liverpool, also believes that the 20-year-old will continue to develop on-loan and that it was the right decision for his progression.
“I think he’s getting the games I think he needs,” said Wilson.
“Obviously, he was at Liverpool learning from the best in Trent [Alexander-Arnold], but I think at his age and where he is in his career, coming out and playing games on loan was what he needed.”
The Cottagers have only conceded two goals since the Welshman joined on-loan, and Williams has also been impressive defensively, making 2.6 tackles per game as well as 1.6 interceptions and 1.6 clearances.
On attack, the loanee has also shown encouraging signs, as he has completed 1.4 crosses per game as well as having one shot and making one key pass every match also – with an average of 83% passing accuracy. With those stats in mind, it may not come as a surprise to see him described as the club’s “very own Gareth Bale” by journalist Ben Bocsak.
Should Alexander-Arnold transition into a central midfielder, or suffer an injury, Klopp would be able to rely on Williams, who will provide as much defensive security and also begin to develop more on the attacking side of his game, as opposed to splashing the cash on a new right-back.
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