England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who serves as vice-captain for Liverpool, found the back of the net in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arne Slot faces a significant decision regarding the 25-year-old player.

It was anticipated to be a crucial evening for Trent Alexander-Arnold to showcase his abilities to Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot. However, the outcome left England coach Gareth Southgate with much to ponder.

Southgate has expressed his intention to deploy Alexander-Arnold in midfield, evident from his inclusion in the provisional Euros squad announcement and his wearing of the number eight jersey during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This decision has sparked ongoing debate, as Jurgen Klopp had previously experimented with Alexander-Arnold’s position in his final 18 months as Liverpool’s manager. Despite occasional positional changes, Alexander-Arnold has primarily served as a full-back for Liverpool, prompting Slot to contemplate whether to maintain this role.

Despite Alexander-Arnold’s goal for England, securing the second in a 3-0 victory, his subsequent positional shift back to defense suggests a nuanced perspective. While his performance in midfield was generally steady, the goal exemplified his impact as a full-back.

Southgate has historically hesitated to utilize Alexander-Arnold in his preferred right-back position, despite his stellar performances for Liverpool. This dynamic raises questions about the optimal deployment of Alexander-Arnold, particularly considering the emergence of Adam Wharton as a standout midfielder.

The goal scored by Alexander-Arnold presents Slot with a potential solution to this dilemma, emphasizing the importance of maximizing his influence on the game, regardless of position. While he thrived in a hybrid role towards the end of the 2022/23 season, injuries and fluctuations in form in the subsequent campaign prompted debate over his role and contribution.

For Slot, the primary objective is to capitalize on Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional talents. While his positional debate persists, providing him with a platform to showcase his abilities remains paramount. As Liverpool’s new manager, Slot faces the challenge of unlocking Alexander-Arnold’s potential and ensuring he can shine regardless of his designated position.