It is said that the best players have a knack for capturing mental snapshots of the game, especially those tasked with creating chances for their team. This skill, however, presents a unique challenge for Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player who has spent the majority of his career as a right back but is now being repositioned as a midfielder by England manager Gareth Southgate.

Alexander-Arnold’s journey to this point is intriguing. Observers who witnessed his development through the England youth ranks recall a talented midfielder in the making. But now, as a seasoned right back, he finds himself in a new role, still learning to adapt to the demands of midfield play.

A recent match against Bosnia highlighted this transition. For the first hour, Alexander-Arnold played in midfield, struggling to make an impact with his passes against a team ranked 74th in the world. England’s play was uninspiring, and Alexander-Arnold seemed unable to accelerate their pace.

It was only when he reverted to his familiar right-back position for the final 30 minutes that his influence on the game transformed. His passing became incisive and certain, and his audacious moves drew admiration from the young fans in the stands. This was the Alexander-Arnold they knew, and his crowning moment came with a first-time volley into the bottom corner from an improbable angle.

Despite this, when England’s squad for the European Championship was announced, Alexander-Arnold was listed as a midfielder. Southgate sees him as a hybrid option, but it’s clear that the manager doesn’t fully trust him defensively against stronger opponents. This is a far cry from Brazil’s legendary right-back Cafu’s prediction in 2020, when he proclaimed that Alexander-Arnold could take the position of right-back to new heights.

Southgate’s decision to deploy Alexander-Arnold as a No. 8 is puzzling, especially considering England’s status as tournament favorites. It begs the question: why not utilize his creative skills from the right-back position, where he has excelled in the past? With opponents expected to sit deep and close spaces, Alexander-Arnold’s ability to deliver passes in behind could be crucial.

Moreover, England’s forward options may not suit Alexander-Arnold’s style of play. Harry Kane, for instance, prefers the ball at his feet rather than in behind. The same can be said for Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden. Even Bukayo Saka, who operates on the wing, tends to cut inside rather than chase balls down the flank.

As England prepare for their opening match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, Southgate continues to work on this tactical experiment. However, it’s worth noting Alexander-Arnold’s own words from 2020, where he expressed his preference for the right-back position due to the freedom it offers. Ultimately, it seems that Alexander-Arnold is being asked to take on a role that doesn’t fully align with his strengths and desires.