According to former Ireland international Tony Cascarino, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold possesses qualities not much inferior to superstar Lionel Messi.
Alexander-Arnold is a defender, but coach Gareth Southgate tested him in the midfield position when England beat Malta 4-0 on the evening of June 16. Cascarino believes that Southgate should continue to play the Liverpool player in the midfield position in the upcoming matches, no matter how strong the opponent or how important the match is.
Alexander-Arnold in England's 4-0 win over Malta at Ta' Qali Stadium on June 16, 2023. Photo: FA
"Because Alexander-Arnold has the same technical ability as Messi," Cascarino told talkSport . "At the 2022 World Cup, Messi sometimes just walks, but when he receives the ball, he can make a difference. Alexander-Arnold also has the ability to make a difference, but the question is whether he can improve further."
Alexander-Arnold played as a right midfielder in a 4-3-3 system, earning a Whoscored rating of 9, the highest in the win over Malta. He made his mark on the opening goal with a through ball and then shot from distance to make it 2-0. "Alexander-Arnold can really play as a No. 10," added Cascarino. "Every World Cup winner has a great No. 10, and Alexander-Arnold has that ability. Let's give him a chance at Euro 2024."
Cascarino, who has played for several clubs in the English Premier League and won 88 caps for Ireland, believes Alexander-Arnold has shown his ability for a long time, having won the Champions League with Liverpool at the age of 21. "He had some particularly impressive moments before that," he added.
The former player believes Southgate should use three midfielders with Declan Rice holding the position, Jude Bellingham on the left and Alexander-Arnold on the right. Rice would provide cover while the two players above him would push forward to support the attack.
Main events of the match Malta 0-4 England.
England are top of Euro 2024 qualifying Group C with three wins from three games. Malta are bottom of the group with three losses, and are ranked 172nd in the FIFA rankings.
Hoang An
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