Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could face an issue with Trent Alexander-Arnold due to the fitness concerns of Ibrahima Konate. The France defender’s sketchy injury record could stunt his team-mate’s progression to become an out-and-out midfielder at club level.
Alexander-Arnold is no longer recognised as a right-back by England boss Gareth Southgate. The 25-year-old plays in the middle of the park for his country and has already put in a number of good performances in that role.
It has been felt for a long time that Alexander-Arnold could play further forward due to his exceptional passing range and eye for goal. Klopp gave him the opportunity to do so towards the end of last season, instructing him to invert while still starting the match at right-back.
He hasn’t looked back yet and has shone for the Reds, who have lost just once so far this term. Klopp has so far resisted starting Alexander-Arnold in an out-and-out midfield role, claiming he would not bow down to pressure from those who think he should.
However, he moved into that position at half-time of Saturday’s comeback win over Crystal Palace. Joe Gomez came on at right-back, enabling his compatriot to move into the midfield in place of Wataru Endo.
Many feel it could be a sign of things to come for Alexander-Arnold at Anfield. But that is where Konate could cause an issue.
Liverpool are wary of Konate’s fitness concerns, which has seen him start just 23 Premier League games since the start of last season. The £36million signing from RB Leipzig struggles to play back-to-back matches and Klopp’s side have seemingly played every three or four days for most of the campaign so far.
Joel Matip is set to miss the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury to restrict Klopp’s options at the back. Konate is the first-choice partner for Virgil van Dijk but cannot be relied upon to play every game.
That means youngster Jarell Quansah will be handed more responsibility, as he did at Selhurst Park. But Liverpool will also be wary of putting too much pressure on the 20-year-old, who has just five top-flight appearances to his name.
That will likely see Gomez be used in the middle of defence on occasion. The issue for Alexander-Arnold, though, is that Gomez is his back-up at right-back.
If there is no other option on the right side, then Alexander-Arnold will likely have to stick to that position. Any desire he has to become a full-time midfielder for Liverpool may have to be put on hold for the time being.
