Xabi Alonso’s appointment could fulfill Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool wish. #liverpooltv
Trent Alexander-Arnold might see his aspiration of playing in Liverpool’s midfield come true next season if the club succeeds in bringing Xabi Alonso on board.
Currently, the Reds are in a battle with Bayern Munich to secure the services of the Spanish coach, who is aiming for a triple win this season with Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen is leading the Bundesliga by 10 points and is still competing in the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.
The chances of the 42-year-old returning to Merseyside seem to have risen after reports indicate Bayern has shifted their focus to Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. BILD reports that the club has contacted the Italian with plans for him to take over from Thomas Tuchel in the summer.
Leverkusen is still fighting to retain Alonso, but if he joins Liverpool, he might bring some of his current stars along with him. Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has been outstanding for the league leaders in the 2023/24 season, is likely to be a top priority.
Frimpong has featured in 33 matches in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists. One of his goals was in the crucial 3-0 victory over Bayern in February, which widened the gap between the two clubs in the league table, reports the Express.
Despite being contracted with Leverkusen until 2028, Alonso’s potential move to England could influence Frimpong’s future. This scenario might allow Liverpool to utilize Alexander-Arnold in a central midfield role.
While Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism for his defensive positioning, he excelled in the midfield during his team’s 6-1 victory at Leeds last season. This led to him being deployed in his new position by Gareth Southgate, impressing in Euro 2024 qualifying wins over North Macedonia and Malta last June.
Liverpool’s injury woes this season have hindered Jurgen Klopp from experimenting more with Alexander-Arnold. However, he has displayed glimpses of his attacking prowess, scoring a crucial late equalizer against Manchester City in November and the winner against Fulham the following month.
Speaking to Four Four Two this month, the academy product expressed, “For England, I’d say I’m now a midfielder, and that’s something that really excites me. It gives me the opportunity to get into the team. I think if it’s working, then long term I don’t see a reason to change that.”
The potential additions of Alonso and Frimpong at Liverpool could provide more opportunities for Alexander-Arnold to showcase his skills in midfield.
