Following Liverpool’s win over Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after the fullback came in for criticism after being dropped by Gareth Southgate.
The right-back was dropped for England’s World Cup Qualifiers and the decision has sparked debate but Klopp is having none of it. With Alexander-Arnold being accused of being poor defensively, his manager has come to his defence.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his class, again. I don’t want to make another discussion about Trent or stuff like that. I said it was Gareth [Southgate’s] decision.
“He is blessed with the choice he has in that position especially, but Trent is in a good shape. If somebody says he is not then I have to say he is wrong, that is all. But I am not responsible for [Southgate’s] decisions.
“I am not criticising Gareth Southgate, and I don’t want to have an argument, I respect his role and his decisions. But I know the player better than anybody else, any other coach, and I can say that he is a world-class player, and not only offensively.”
Alexander-Arnold dug out a sumptuous cross for the opener which saw Diogo Jota score from six yards with a thunderous header. The reaction from Trent emphasised how much being dropped by England has affected him as he celebrated by roaring in front of the cameras.
I’ll be watching this loads more till Tuesday night 😆
Just look at what it means to Trent 😍❤️
pic.twitter.com/ZvEx05BGZF— LiverpoolGoals (@Liverpoolgoals_) April 3, 2021
The Scouser has been unlucky at times this season with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane quite wasteful at times but Trent can’t convert his own crosses.
The absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip has also affected his ability to grab assists from corners as there is very little height in Liverpool’s team at the moment.
While Alexander-Arnold will be the first to admit he hasn’t been at his best at times this season, there’s no doubt he’s still the best right-back in the Premier League not to mention the best English fullback.