Trent Alexander-Arnold taking inspiration from Man City! Liverpool star reveals Premier League rival he's modelling game on following positional change

The England full-back has been deployed as a defensive midfielder by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield which has forced him to watch and learn closely from John Stones who has also adapted to playing in an advanced role from being a centre back.

Gareth Southgate believes in the potential of Alexander-Arnold and envisions the Liverpool star's future in midfield amid stiff competition in the right-back position from Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James.

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Alexander-Arnold revealed that he keenly follows the game of Stones, is an admirer of Rodri and watches legends from the past like Steven Gerrard to get a grip on his position.

"I think as someone who plays the inverted role, or whatever people want to call it, then obviously John Stones is the example of who to watch," he said.

"He is exceptional and I’ve admired his game for a long time. I look at a lot of his clips and even when I’m watching City play, I will sit and focus on him. I admire Rodri. He is pivotal to City and massively underrated. They are not the same without him. l’ll also watch midfielders from the past to learn from; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, Stevie G. They are players I have always enjoyed."

Alexander-Arnold was labelled a midfielder by The FA and the player revealed he has held extensive talks with the team management about his new role and the classification isn't just for show.

"The conversations I’ve had with the England manager and staff, I go there as a midfielder," he said.

"That is where I train and where I try and play on the pitch, barring the last Australia game. It helps me because I’m not playing midfield every week with Liverpool. Being in midfield is a lot different to at the side of the pitch. I am learning how to receive the ball in central areas."

While talking about his role at Liverpool he added: "The way I see it and has been explained to me, it is almost when we have the ball I am a midfielder, and when we don’t I am a right-back. Sixty per cent of the game, I am in midfield. It’s about playing with freedom to get on the ball and try and create and make things happen, to progress us up the pitch. And when the ball advances towards us, it becomes more about protection and stopping counter attacks."

Alexander-Arnold will be eager to put his best foot forward when England host Malta on Friday in a Euro 2024 Qualifier before taking on North Macedonia two days later away from home.