Rio Ferdinand has expressed that Arne Slot will need to modify his tactical system if he plans to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central midfield role.
The 25-year-old has become a key figure at right-back for the Reds since signing his first professional contract in 2016, making 313 appearances for the club.
Alexander-Arnold, known for his versatility, has also shown his ability to operate in midfield under former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate.
His pinpoint passes from wide areas have been crucial in the Premier League, contributing 81 assists for the Reds.
His playmaking ability and vision have also been acknowledged when he drifts into narrower positions, leading to growing calls for him to start in a more central role.
However, Ferdinand believes that if Arne Slot, or England’s interim manager Lee Carsley, wish to utilize Alexander-Arnold in a central position rather than his more familiar right-back role, tactical adjustments will be necessary.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, alongside Jody Morris and Joel Beya, the 45-year-old pundit said: “I think there’s two things that really have to be closely looked at and addressed with Trent if you’re going to start him in midfield. One of them – like Jody just touched on – you need runners,” reports the Mirror.
He added: “It’s pointless having him move into midfield if there’s no runners or good movement penetrating the opposition’s back lines – because he’s the one that can play that balls like we saw against Ireland.
“And the other thing is, coach him or sort the system out so that he does not receive the ball with his back to play.
“That is the biggest problem in his game at that position. If he goes into the ball with his back to play… that’s alien to me and I was actually someone who people said was comfortable with the ball.
“But going to the ball and not knowing what’s behind you – the angles that he needs to come on the ball like someone like [Sergio] Busquets or Toni Kroos.
“The way they come onto the ball, they drop into the little half-positions where they’re getting it side on, one touch and they see the game.” Beya chimed in: “He was poor at that during the Euros,” before Ferdinand asserted: “Yeah, that’s down to him but also that’s down to coaching.
“Like, there’s things like fundamentals that are non-negotiable.
“Don’t go straight onto the ball – that’ll be in your head then so you don’t.
“And this is coaching. Whether that was relayed to him, or he didn’t understand it.
“But those are the two things I would be looking at if I was coaching him in that framework.”
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