(Reuters) – Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role is “not written in stone” and it is a challenge for the squad to adapt to his new position, manager Juergen Klopp said on Friday as the England international looks to rediscover top-form.
Alexander-Arnold has been one of Liverpool’s main chance creators and he excelled in an advanced role to record two assists during their 6-1 win over Leeds United on Monday.
“In each position he played, Trent is a super important player for us. This advanced role suits him really well,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
“It’s a challenge for everyone else to cover the spaces but with him there we don’t lose many balls. It’s not written in stone, he can play different ways.
“It’s not the first time we played like that… Trent’s a smart player, it’s more about how we set up.”
Klopp did not confirm if the 24-year-old would continue playing in that role, adding that it was not a “solution for all the football problems” Liverpool have had this season.
Liverpool, eighth in the Premier League, are looking to build on their win against Leeds when they host relegation-threatened Forest.
Klopp’s side were close to claiming an unprecedented quadruple last season but have endured a disappointing campaign as they sit nine points behind Newcastle United in fourth.
“It’s a strange, very average season so far, yet (we have had) some of the highest results in the club’s history. Leeds was the best we’ve played all season,” Klopp said.
“I can’t guarantee any kind of result but we have to guarantee a performance level and that is what we have to do now.”
Forest are 18th in the standings and inside the relegation zone on goal difference, but Klopp is still wary of their pragmatic style of play under Steve Cooper.
“They had a super spell late last year, but then it didn’t work out for them. But the quality they have is clear and if we didn’t respect that quality we would be on the wrong side,” Klopp said.
“Forest and Steve Cooper are in a difficult situation, they are fighting for their lives and each point they can grab will be massive.”
Roberto Firmino has been ruled out after picking up a muscle injury and Klopp said the Brazilian forward could be out for up to three games.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
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