If you ask former players, they’ll often mention that the most exceptional ones have a knack for mentally capturing moments, especially those tasked with creative responsibilities.

The challenge for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gareth Southgate’s experiment in midfield, lies in the fact that he has been mentally capturing these moments for nearly eight years from the perspective of a right-back. Transitioning to the midfield position, he is still adjusting to this new perspective.

As one observer, who witnessed Alexander-Arnold’s progression through the England youth ranks as a midfielder, notes, “He has undergone a reprogramming now.” Recalling Alexander-Arnold’s standout performances for England’s Under-17s, this observer recalls how everyone present was convinced they were witnessing the emergence of an international central midfielder. While their prediction was accurate, the transformation of the promising young player into the finished product is still ongoing.

Consider a recent example from a match at St James’ Park. Alexander-Arnold spent an hour playing in midfield against Bosnia. Despite his numerous passes, none managed to break through the opposition defense, which is ranked 74th in the world, just below Northern Ireland. England’s performance was lackluster, with Alexander-Arnold, in his midfield role, failing to inject pace into their play.

However, in the final half-hour, he switched back to his familiar right-back position—the role he has played since his time with Liverpool’s Under-18s. This decision proved wise, as it was in this role that he successfully earned his spot in the first team, effectively shutting out competition from his peers.

It was little surprise, then, that his influence against Bosnia was transformed by the change. The pictures he took at right back were instant. Those from earlier, by contrast, were still processing. It was obvious to all on Tyneside that the player was happier in more familiar surrounds. His passing was incisive, certain and, some of it, so audacious that it drew shrieks of approval from the schoolchildren in the stands. The kids weren’t getting excited when he stroked the ball sideways around the halfway line.

Then came his defining moment: a first-time volley finding the bottom corner from an improbable angle, a position he had stealthily maneuvered to from right-back, six yards wide of the six-yard area.

However, when England’s squad was later announced for the European Championship, he was listed as a midfielder. While recognized as a versatile option, Southgate is hesitant to rely on him defensively against stronger opponents. Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and potentially Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez are all preferred choices at right-back ahead of Alexander-Arnold.

It’s a surprising turn of events considering that back in 2020, Brazil’s legendary right-back Cafu had remarked to Mail Sport: “Alexander-Arnold has the potential to elevate the right-back position to new heights. We are changing the narrative, altering how full-backs are perceived. It’s not only the goal scorers who should be considered the best in the world. It’s entirely wrong that some exceptional players have never won the Ballon d’Or due to their position. Nowadays, full-backs should be recognized as key figures in the game.”

Southgate, rather, sees Alexander-Arnold as a No.8, evidenced by his shirt number for the finals. But surely England – tournament favourites, don’t forget – are better than forcing square pegs into round holes? If the theory is they can afford to accommodate Alexander-Arnold’s creative skills in the group stage against opponents who will be difficult to break down, why not use him for that purpose from right back?