Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his admiration for John Stones as he looks to emulate the City defender’s role at Anfield.
Stones has found his role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City over the last 12 months. The defender moved into a midfield role, with Ruben Diaz taking over defensive duties.
Guardiola admitted that Stones’ tactical changes were the main reason he won the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League in the 2022/23 season. They were only the second English club to achieve this feat.
But at City’s Premier League rivals Liverpool, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has begun experimenting with the tactic of pushing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold further into midfield.
But in a recent interview with The Athletic, Alexander-Arnold said he looks to Stones for tips and tricks to perfect his role. “He (John Stones) is someone I’ve admired for a long time,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“That person is special and I respect them. Whether I’m watching a video or even a city game, I sit down and focus. I’ve always admired him.
“I like learning about the game and looking at things, players, different systems, different teams, how different players play and there are some players who play really well.
“However, Liverpool appear to be making some progress in their new look, sitting just one point behind leaders Manchester City.
In just over a week, the two North West rivals will clash at the Etihad Stadium in a game that could help decide the Premier League title race.
A few years ago, the two giants of the Premier League regularly clashed for the top-flight title. Those good times may return.
