How Bruno Fernandes’ unusual positioning exploited Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive issues

“When the post-match discussion focuses on the player who has been dominating headlines in the previous days, it’s fair to question if that analysis is reasonable, or whether it’s simply a convenient narrative to keep everyone talking. On this occasion, the analysis was entirely fair: Trent Alexander-Arnold, subject of a transfer approach by Real Madrid, had a very difficult game in Liverpool’s 2-2 home draw against Manchester United on Sunday. The idea that Alexander-Arnold can struggle defensively is, clearly, nothing new. He is, at heart, a playmaker who got converted into a right-back because that was the simplest pathway into Liverpool’s first team. The last couple of seasons have featured attempts to field him more centrally when they are in possession, but he remains a problem without the ball. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
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