Trent Alexander-Arnold has named six current players who have helped inspire his current style of play.
The Liverpool right-back, known as one of Europe’s finest passers, has spent time operating in midfield in recent months, either starting in the position or operating in an inverted full-back role to make the most of his creativity.
It’s a unique play style and one which Alexander-Arnold has shaped around a number of teammates and current Premier League stars.
“I’ve always felt I’ve been different from everyone else. I play the game a little bit differently, there’s not many that have the same skillset as me as a player,” he told Channel 4. “I’m not being big-headed, but it’s hard to find people who play the game the way I play it.
“I take little bits from different people. [Kevin] De Bruyne is someone I look at massively, James Maddison receiving the ball in tight spaces is an exceptional talent and something he’s worked on and can do it really well.
“Even just sharing the pitch with the likes of Declan [Rice], Jude [Bellingham], Hendo [Jordan Henderson], I’ve learned a lot from them. The composure of John Stones. I’m watching what everyone is doing, and I’ll ask questions. I don’t have any shame in that.”
Asked whether he could see himself playing in an England midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, Alexander-Arnold confessed: “It’s something I would hope for. We haven’t seen what it could potentially bring, but on paper it seems very exciting.
“Declan has been doing amazing things or years, and I don’t need to speak too much about what Jude is doing!”
Alexander-Arnold has one assist for Liverpool so far this season, having ended the previous campaign on a run of seven in his final ten Premier League games.
While he spends most of his time at right-back, Alexander-Arnold recently confessed that he is not sure whether he is at his best in defence or in midfield.
