Trent Alexander-Arnold has been labelled as the best-ever passer from full-back, as the debate continues around his best position.
The 22-year-old was trialled in midfield for England in the last international break, in a move criticised by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Claiming his second assist of the new season in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Leeds, Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the best right-backs in world football.
His passing ability, however, has caused a discussion over whether he could be utilised elsewhere. Gary Lineker said last month that Alexander-Arnold should move up to midfield like Bayern Munich stars Phillip Lahm and Joshua Kimmich. However, Carragher and Neville disagree.
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“There’s always this debate over ‘should Trent play in midfield’ and I’ve never got it at all. I think it’s absolute nonsense if I’m being honest”, Carragher said on Monday Night Football.
“He’s actually creating that many goals from the position that he’s in so why would you change him? It’s just madness to me.
When you’re at right-back you get that little bit of time, half a second longer to get your head up. Trent is doing so well, why would you change him?
“Leave him where he is, he’s absolutely fine, he’s not going to create anymore goals [elsewhere] it helps having a bit more time [at right-back].”
Alexander-Arnold has twice broken the record for the most Premier League assists by a defender in a season, notching up 13 in the Reds’ title-winning 2019/20 campaign.
With England having plenty of options in the right-back area, as shown by Gareth Southgate’s decision to name four in his provisional squad for Euro 2020, playing in midfield had been an option mooted to get the Liverpool full-back into the national side.
However, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville echoed Carragher’s thoughts as he lauded praise on one of Jurgen Klopp’s key men.
“He’s the best passer of the ball I’ve ever seen from full-back”, Neville admitted.
“I’ve never seen anybody deliver a ball, he is David Beckham and Kevin de Bruyne at right-back it’s unbelievable.
"I loved him against Leeds, high energy, front foot, first challenge against Jack Harrison, his cross for the goal. He was absolutely breath-taking, thought [against Leeds] he was absolutely brilliant. I’m with Carra, [Alexander-Arnold] in midfield is a no go."
