Jurgen Klopp has questioned England’s decision to try Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield during the international break.
Alexander-Arnold started the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifier against Andorra in an unfamiliar central midfield position, with the experiment lasting just 45 minutes before the 22-year-old was switched to his regular right-back role.
Several footballing figures have previously spoken on the prospect of Alexander-Arnold featuring in midfield, given the defender’s passing range and ability to carve out goalscoring chances.
However, Klopp admits he struggled to understand the decision of Gareth Southgate, labelling Alexander-Arnold as ‘the best right-back in the world’.
“If you watch our games you see that Trent’s position has already changed,” Klopp told his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash against Leeds.
”Not in all games, but in games when it’s possible it changed already so there is no need to make him a midfield player.
“Why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don’t understand that.”
Klopp also provided an update on the fitness of Virgil van Dijk, who sustained an ankle injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.
The German admits he was concerned to see the centre-back in pain, but says Van Dijk is ‘fine’ ahead of Sunday’s trip to Elland Road.
“His track injury record I can only remember one which was a completely different challenge.
“I saw it and I was concerned and I was in contact with my assistant and I asked him if he’s ok and he texted back, not sure, it was not a good moment.
“But after the game Virgil sent a thumbs up and so it was all fine.”
