Liverpool already have Georginio Wijnaldum replacement that could save them millions

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Liverpool were handed a blow this summer as Georginio Wijnaldum left the club for free and joined Paris Saint Germain, but Jurgen Klopp may already have his replacement lined up at the club, which suggests why he didn’t spend millions on a new midfielder.

It was a rather quiet summer for Liverpool as their only signing was Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36million, as Jurgen Klopp prioritised a defensive reinforcement due to their struggles at the back last season.

There were a lot of departures at Anfield as Klopp removed some of the deadwood at the club, but one unwelcome exit came in the form of Georginio Wijnaldum, who left for free following the expiry of his contract.

The Dutchman joined Paris Saint Germain this summer, but Klopp opted not to sign a midfield replacement as he was satisfied with the options he already had at his disposal.

However, the Liverpool boss may already have his long-term replacement ready and waiting already.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of the world’s finest full-backs in recent seasons, and often creates as many chances as the best of midfielders despite his usual deeper position.

The Liverpool academy graduate has become one Klopp’s most important players and his impact and value within the squad is immeasurable down their right-hand side.

Although Liverpool are blessed with world-class defensive options, their midfield has been left slightly light following Wijnaldum’s departure, but there have also been calls for Alexander-Arnold to be trialed in the role, and his recent performance for England has proved that Klopp made the right decision not to seek a replacement.

Alexander-Arnold starred for England on Sunday night in a midfield role alongside club teammate Jordan Henderson, and the 22-year-old proved that he could be ready to evolve into the Liverpool midfield in the coming years.

The Englishman’s creativity would be even more dangerous in an advanced role, with his passing ability already amongst the greatest in Europe, and playing with Henderson for club and country will only help this transition.

Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders has already said that Alexander-Arnold is a “born leader” and a “future captain” at the club, and his evolution into the midfield could see him fulfil that prophecy, following on from Steven Gerrard and Henderson.

Lijnders told Liverpool’s official website: “He was this natural technical talent when he was just 15 years old. He had all the characteristics I loved. I don’t see this young guy anymore; I see a leader, I see someone who controls his emotions, a future captain.”

Due to a high concentration of right-backs within the England squad, Gareth Southgate decided to give Alexander-Arnold a run-out at central midfield in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the decision paid off, highlighting that he could easily occupy the role in the future.

Ahead of England’s win over Andorra, Roy Keane spoke about Alexander-Arnold’s new role and said: “What we’ve seen with Trent over the last couple of seasons, question marks over his defending but when he’s got time on the ball he’s like a midfielder there. The quality of his passing, decision-making, we’ll see that today.”

Liverpool have never really replaced the creativity of Phillipe Coutinho within their midfield, and although Alexander Arnold definitely won’t be occupying the no.10 role, his direct link to their dangerous front three could be a lethal combination for Klopp.

With the likes of Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson already in Liverpool’s midfield, Alexander-Arnold could be an excellent alternative when called upon, and could make the permanent switch in the future.

Any side is better with Alexander-Arnold in, but this midfield role could be a great switch for the player, England and Liverpool for years to come.

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