Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been advised to make the acquisition of a top-tier right-back a priority in order for star player Trent Alexander-Arnold to thrive in one of three new positions for the Reds.

The 25-year-old earned his reputation in the game as a right-back for the Reds, succeeding Nathaniel Clyne. Alexander-Arnold has not looked back since, playing a key part for Liverpool under Klopp and helping the club win a number of titles, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

While Alexander-Arnold’s abilities have never been questioned, there have been some concerns voiced about his ability to defend, particularly in one-on-one scenarios.

As a result, Klopp has experimented with Alexander-Arnold in a hybrid role this season, with him moving into a midfield role whenever the Reds are in possession.

However, there is a growing school of opinion that Alexander-Arnold is simply a better midfielder than a defender, with two goals in his previous four Reds games indicating his ability to thrive in a more advanced role.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold was recently named to the England squad as a midfielder, with Gareth Southgate clearly believing that TAA can contribute much more while playing there.

That idea is starting to be vindicated by Alexander-Arnold’s outstanding numbers this season, with three goals and six assists from 24 games for club and country.

Now, Planet Sport ambassador Robbie Savage has outlined why the time for experimenting is past and why Alexander-Arnold should be regarded first and foremost as a midfielder.

Alexander-Arnold might occupy one of three new Liverpool vacancies

Furthermore, Savage is urging Liverpool to purchase a new out-and-out right-back to free up Alexander-Arnold for one of the three midfield positions in which he can now thrive under Klopp.

“Jurgen Klopp needs to do what he feels is best for Liverpool and if that means playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield then he’ll do that,” he stated. “The question is whether his hybrid position, in which he starts as a right-back and moves into midfield, can be sustained in the long term.”

“We’ll have to see if they decide to bring in a new right-back and then move Trent into midfield.” He has a lot of talent, and his passing range is incredible. He scored a brace over the weekend, and his free-kick was spectacular [editor’s note: this was actually recognized as a Bernd Leno own goal], but he’s more than just a set-piece threat. He is incredibly inventive, and he is now incorporating more goals into his game.”

Savage feels Alexander-Arnold may now be considered for any of three different midfield roles for the Reds, suggesting three positions Alexander-Arnold can potentially fill.

“In the future, he has all the qualities to be a number six, number eight, or whatever Klopp wants him to be.” What can’t he do? He’s athletic, he has vision, and he’s fantastic at set pieces. As a midfielder, I believe he has the potential to be the answer for both club and nation.”

Liverpool is being pushed to recruit a new right-back

Savage feels Klopp should look for a replacement right-back as soon as possible to help Alexander-Arnold transition into his new role.

Liverpool have apparently been watching Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, while Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey are also being connected.

“If I were Liverpool, I would go into the transfer window and buy a recognized right-back,” Savage continued.

“Then Trent can cover four positions: right-back, number six, number eight, and even number ten if wing-backs are used.” He can play in every situation. I would absolutely bring in another right-back to give Trent more opportunities to play in midfield.”

Alexander-Arnold has made 290 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and assisting on another 70. A permanent switch to midfield will almost certainly see those figures grow even faster.