Trent Alexander-Arnold names six players he 'takes little bits from'

Trent Alexander-Arnold has named six current players he has learned from as he adapts and develops his new role.

Liverpool's vice-captain has long been recognised as one of the game's finest attacking right backs, but his position for club and country has been somewhat redefined in recent months.

After the Reds' sluggish start to the 2022/23 season, Jurgen Klopp opted for a tweaked tactical system that saw Alexander-Arnold drift into central midfield when in possession. The change resulted in an upturn in Liverpool's form, while the 24-year-old has since continued in the hybrid role, which is intended to maximise his creative abilities, in 2023/24.

Meanwhile for England, manager Gareth Southgate has regularly listed Liverpool's number 66 as a midfielder in recent squads, suggesting his long-term future for the Three Lions might be further forward, given the depth of options at right back.

Speaking while on international duty, Alexander-Arnold admitted while his own game is unique, he has developed his game by learning from several other stars.

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"I've always felt I've been different from everyone else. I play the game a little bit differently, there's not many that have the same skillset as me as a player," he told Channel 4. "I'm not being big-headed, but it's hard to find people who play the game the way I play it.

"I take little bits from different people. [Kevin] De Bruyne is someone I look at massively, James Maddison receiving the ball in tight spaces is an exceptional talent and something he's worked on and can do it really well.

"Even just sharing the pitch with the likes of Declan [Rice], Jude [Bellingham], Hendo [Jordan Henderson], I've learned a lot from them. The composure of John Stones. I'm watching what everyone is doing, and I'll ask questions. I don't have any shame in that."

Many have called for Alexander-Arnold to be used more regularly by Southgate for England, particularly given the scarcity of options in central midfield.

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Asked whether he could see himself playing in a fan-pleasing England midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, the 24-year-old replied: "It's something I would hope for. We haven't seen what it could potentially bring, but on paper it seems very exciting.

"Declan has been doing amazing things or years, and I don't need to speak too much about what Jude is doing!"

Alexander-Arnold started England's friendly win over Australia at right back on Friday, but is expected to lose that spot to Kyle Walker for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday, according to reports.