Liverpool manager Arne Slot is no doubt pleased to have his star players back after the international break, especially with many of them continuing their fine early-season form.
Despite just starting his tenure, Slot has already had to contend with the disruption caused by international duty, but it seems to have worked in Liverpool’s favour.
One player who shone brightly was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who delivered standout performances for England under interim manager Lee Carsley.
Among those praising the right-back is former striker Darren Bent, who took part in a discussion on talkSPORT.
The case for Trent Alexander-Arnold being England’s starting centre-back moving forward
Bent was particularly impressed with Alexander-Arnold’s ability to transition from defense to attack with his exceptional passing range. “
Goldstein then said Alexander-Arnold should the first-choice right-back, which Bent replied to: “I think Trent now, moving forward with that range of passing, we haven’t got anyone like that in the squad, and that includes midfield players as well. He can hit a pass from anywhere, but just turn defence into attack so quickly.
“And yes, people might make one or two comments about him defensively, but there’s enough around him if one of the centre-backs comes over, or [Bukayo] Saka who plays on that right-hand side, if he comes back and drops in… one of the midfield players, [Kobbie] Mainoo or [Declan] Rice comes over to help him, hopefully he doesn’t get as isolated as he has been as before.
“With the way that he plays, that range of passing, we’ve got no one else like that. And if you’ve got runners like Saka or Anthony Gordon, or I know [Harry] Kane drops in, if [Ollie] Watkins comes on, or Eberechi Eze, these guys that want to run in behind, you need someone who’s going to be able to unlock that.
“Especially when you play against a defensively low block team at times, not everything can be to feet, because they’ll just move five yards, you’re not moving anything, you’re not changing the picture.
“The moment you have someone like a Trent who just goes from out of nowhere to 50 yards over the top, everyone’s chasing and facing their own goal, all of a sudden it opens up the whole pitch, so I’m with you, he has to play.”
His unique ability to hit pinpoint passes from any position on the pitch makes him an invaluable asset in turning defense into attack almost instantly.
Long-awaited recognition in the England setup
What’s remarkable about Alexander-Arnold’s recent performances is that he’s finally gaining the recognition in the England setup that many Liverpool fans have long felt he deserves.
For years, debates have raged over whether his defensive shortcomings outweighed his immense talent going forward, especially on the international stage.
However, under the new management, his creative abilities seem to be appreciated in full.
Alexander-Arnold’s unique passing range and vision are now being recognised as vital assets, helping England break down stubborn defences.
