Virgil van Dijk has called his Liverpool team-mate the complete package in the debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s best position.
Alexander-Arnold once again reminded us of his attacking prowess when he stepped up to score the perfect equalizer for the Reds in a 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City on Saturday. The 25-year-old right-back has produced numerous defensive displays in the Premier League to keep City’s wily Belgian winger Jeremy Doku at bay.
It was a great moment for Alexander-Arnold after much debate over whether he could play in the England squad over the past fortnight. “I think everyone will have a difficult time personally against Doku as a defender this season,” said Liverpool captain Van Dijk. It’s a very good dribble. “But overall, I don’t think he had a difficult afternoon. That way, you can protect both items together and get both of them.
At the end of the day, I’m glad he got the draw. “Not only does he offer a lot defensively, he has great qualities in possession and it shows, so he has the full package.”He’s got to do what he’s doing, he’s got to improve and maintain the high standards we have for him and for him.”Manchester, England – Saturday, November 25, 2023: Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the equalizer during the English Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Manchester City Stadium.
Alexander-Arnold expanded his game last year to play not only as a traditional attacking full-back but also as a hybrid defensive central midfielder.
England’s recent games against Malta and North Macedonia also featured him in midfield and Van Dijk admitted he has no idea where he will end up. “I don’t know, it’s for the coaches who work with him,” the centre-back said.“I think he’s playing well where he is. “He has the freedom to mix things up and he has to because he sees teams doing that sometimes. So they need to be able to switch between looking outward and looking inward.”I think he has a good learning curve as well and he performed well [Saturday] because he played against one of the best wings at the moment.”Manchester, England – Saturday, November 25, 2023: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk leads his team during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Manchester City Stadium.
Saturday’s result leaves Liverpool behind title favorites City and Van Dijk, who struggled last season, will be hoping the 2020 champions can close in on them this time around.
The Dutchman said: “It’s no secret that we like to test everything we race and this year we’re looking at the consistency that we lacked last year. “But it’s November and we’ve got tough games ahead so it’s a tough time for us.”Anything can happen, but as long as you’re not hurt or too hurt, you have to be confident and do your best.”
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