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Trent Alexander-Arnold was crowned man of the match in England’s win over USA, but should Gareth Southgate try the wonderkid out in midfield?
The Chalkboard
USA were swept aside at Wembley on Wednesday, as goals from Jesse Lingard, Alexander-Arnold and Callum Wilson gave Southgate’s young side a comfortable victory.
Jadon Sancho, Dele Alli and Lingard were all phenomenal, but Alexander-Arnold was deservedly given the man of the match award.
The Liverpool wonderkid had 111 touches, finished his goal beautifully, created two chances and made five tackles.
After such a well-rounded performance, Southgate should consider deploying him in midfield against Croatia, where his youthful exuberance can cause problems for their ageing but talented midfield.
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Bad news for Modric and Kovacic
The gifted combination of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic (Ivan Rakitic is injured) partnered with the industriousness of Marcelo Brozovic is almost unstoppable, but Alexander-Arnold can certainly make his mark.
The 20-year-old played regularly as a central midfielder in Liverpool’s youth teams, and has even played in the middle for Jurgen Klopp, excelling towards the end of last season when the Reds were running out of midfielders.
Alexander-Arnold’s speed, work rate and intelligence could make a huge difference in stopping the likes of Modric and Brozovic, in an area where the Three Lions aren’t exactly packed with world class players.
A new partnership
The youngster’s move into midfield would also be good news for Harry Winks, as the pair could use their passing range to make Modric and Kovacic focus more on defending than attacking.
Alexander-Arnold’s greatest asset is his vision and incisive passing, as he always looks to break lines with his passing instead of just moving it sideways or backwards, something that can also be said for Winks.
The move would also be good news for Klopp, who would get to see his rising star play against a truly top class midfield without having to take the risk himself.
So, England fans, would you like to see Alexander-Arnold in midfield this weekend? Could he and Winks form a great partnership? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…