Sam Allardyce claims Liverpool superstar could save club 'a lot of money' if he makes position switch
Sam Allardyce has claimed that Trent Alexander-Arnold could save Liverpool a lot of money if he is fully converted into a midfielder. The former England manager has insisted that, with his quality and range of passing, Alexander-Arnold has what it takes to play in midfield on a permanent basis.
Allardyce has claimed that while the Liverpool vice captain has often been criticized for his poor defending, Klopp has come up with a system where Alexander-Arnold has less defensive liability.
Big Sam has claimed that the Englishman has adjusted to his new inverted wing-back role really well and should now be playing in midfield. Allardyce has also insisted that the Reds could save a lot of money if they solved their midfield issues by bringing Liverpool number 66 into midfield.
While speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, the former Everton manager said, as quoted by TBR Football:
“His defensive work is not as big a responsibility anymore, it’s really suited him and anyone who says it shouldn’t be his permanent position is barking up the wrong tree. Also it saves Liverpool a lot of money signing a player of that quality because his range of passing.”
Jurgen Klopp's side have enjoyed themselves this season across all competitions, and a key reason behind their strong run of form has been Alexander-Arnold.
By switching into an inverted role, he has become much more dangerous and unpredictable and has made a difference on a weekly basis.
The 25-year-old has scored twice and produced nine assists in 25 games across competitions this season. The Reds, however, have to do without him for a few weeks as he is sidelined with a knee injury.
Former Chelsea defender labels Liverpool star 'overrated'
Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has criticised Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk and also called him 'overrated'.
Van Dijk made a mistake against Fulham at Anfield in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday, January 10 which was capitalised by the Cottagers as they scored the opener in the game. Jurgen Klopp's side managed to come back to secure a 2-1 win courtesy of Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo's second half goals.
Cundy has slammed Van Dijk for his below-par display against Marco Silva's side. Cundy has also insisted that the Dutchman is nowhere close to the levels of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand or Sol Campbell.
After the game, Cundy said about the Dutch defender on talkSPORT:
“He can do this, Van Dijk. Sometimes, he puts in displays where you go ‘that’s a bit rubbish!’ Personally, I think he’s overrated. I don’t think that he’s anywhere near the levels consistently of the likes of Sol Campbell, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, I don’t think he’s anywhere near that level, personally. He’s had, what, two good seasons?"
He added:
“I know people will go back to the injury he picked up against Everton, I think it was during Covid, it was a terrible injury. There’s no doubt that he’s top-class, but I don’t think if you put an all-time Premier League team together, he’s not in that team.”
Van Dijk has been instrumental in everything Liverpool have achieved over the last few years under Klopp.
Since joining the Reds in a deal worth reported £75 million in 2018, he has won everything at the club and also finished second in the race for the Ballon d'Or once.