Fans bemused as Klopp told he owes Southgate apology over Alexander-Arnold

 Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was the source of fierce online debate on Friday after dazzling as part of an experimental England midfield against Malta

A first-half bonanza against Malta left plenty of England fans under the impression Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-term future may lie in midfield.

The Liverpool full-back looked faultless as he contributed to a 3-0 half-time lead as part of an experimental midfield line-up in Ta' Qali. Gareth Southgate looked to capitalise on Alexander-Arnold's more attacking qualities for the Euro 2024 qualifier, and the gambit didn't take long to pay off.

But some fans used the performance as ammunition to criticise Jurgen Klopp after it was alleged the Reds boss 'owed Southgate an apology' for not buying into the idea sooner. Alexander-Arnold enjoyed a resurgence in the second half of this Premier League season largely thanks to the freedom he was afforded roaming from right-back.

Former England winger Andros Townsend appeared on Channel 4's coverage of England's qualifier and suggested Klopp would be forced to eat humble pie. That's after he questioned Southgate's use of Alexander-Arnold in midfield back in 2021, only to mimic the move himself at a later date.

The comments caused a rift among social media users, with some crediting Southgate for his original bravery to test the player further upfield. Others were less forthcoming with their praise.

"Imagine having the nerve to ask when Klopp is going to apologise to Southgate," commented one supporter.

"Who the f*** does Townsend think he is saying Klopp needs to apologize (sic) to Southgate," asked another enraged viewer. "There's a difference he starts at right back for Liverpool not midfield."

Those in the Southgate camp were quick to point out Klopp's line of questioning when he queried Southgate's tactics back in 2021. In the German's defence, Alexander-Arnold's open responsibilities towards the end of this season still started at full-back, where he largely remained in the defensive transition.

"Oh my god nobody understands Trent’s position in the Liverpool team at all," exclaimed another raving Red. "The pundits criticising Klopp [because] he laughed at Southgate for playing him in midfield, HE’S STILL A RIGHT BACK."

Spectators were also up in arms over Alexander-Arnold's No. 10 jersey. Those same supporters might have been left eating their words, however, after he scored the second of their three first-half finishes.

Whatever the fuel was for the furore, England fans were in agreement Alexander-Arnold looked mightily impressive pulling strings from the centre. Plenty pointed out it was 'only Malta' in front of the Three Lions, though there are few finer settings to test out such tactics.

It remains to be seen whether Southgate will consider the player for higher-quality opposition, with England set to face North Macedonia on Monday.