Football News: Keane Doubts Alexander-Arnold’s Midfield Viability at Euro 2024
In a critical assessment, Roy Keane, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder, believes that England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will struggle against the top teams at Euro 2024 if deployed in the center of the park.
The 25-year-old Liverpool star is set to feature in his fourth major international tournament with the Three Lions, despite his primary position being a full-back. England’s squad includes experienced right-backs like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, leading to speculation that Alexander-Arnold could be utilized in a midfield role.
However, Keane has expressed concerns about this tactical approach, stating that while it may work in the group stages, the talented player could be “ripped to shreds” when facing the stronger opponents in the competition.
“It’s all about getting the balance right in your team,” Keane told ITV Sport. “They’ve got some brilliant individuals, but it’s getting that balance right. Talking about the defensive side of it, they have players who can go and win you football matches, but it’s the problem with defending against the better teams.”
Keane continued:
“I think they’ll be fine in the group, I think Trent will be fine with his positioning in those matches, but it’s against the real top teams that I think he will be found out, very much so. In fact, I think he would be ripped to shreds if he plays against one of the better teams in central midfield. I don’t think he’d be up to it.”
The upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, hosted in Germany, promises to be a highly competitive event, with several powerhouses vying for the prestigious title. As England prepares to take on the challenge, Keane’s assessment will undoubtedly be a talking point as the team’s tactics and lineup selections come under scrutiny.
Football fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how England, led by manager Gareth Southgate, navigates the complexities of the tournament and whether Trent Alexander-Arnold can prove Keane’s concerns unfounded.
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