Liverpool’s £72M star has voiced his concerns over the number of games expected from footballers and how it affected their start to the season.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken out on Liverpool’s poor start to the season and cited the number of games they now to play as a potential reason why his form has dropped off this year.
Uncharacteristically, the full-back has only managed two goals and no assists in nine games this year.
He’s also received a lot of criticism for his defending but has been included in the last England squad before the World Cup which is a positive sign for the 23-year-old.
🗣️ "I just don't think he's in the squad"
😯 Put @jonawils in charge of England and Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't go to the World Cup. Not because he's a bad player, but because international football doesn't suit him — https://t.co/ScjIDh9ZHG pic.twitter.com/ZPhaZ0XJ5r
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 21, 2022
Alexander-Arnold on Liverpool’s start and fixture load
The Liverpool full-back was speaking to Red Bull about his side’s start as well as the fixture schedule, which has changed this season and has no doubt had some effect on teams this year.
“I think I’m getting there, personally. It’s hard because it’s been different to how other seasons start, because normally you’ll have like three or four games in August, at the weekends, then it’ll be internationals.”
“Then they’ll start to introduce the Champions League, then it’ll be another international. I always see the first part of the season as like three little blocks of four weeks with the internationals breaking them up, and each time you’ll play a little bit more football.”
“Whereas now it’s like from the get go you’re in at the deep end.”
Trent on Liverpool's poor start:
"I think I'm getting there, personally. It's hard because it's been different to how other seasons start, because normally you'll have like three or four games in August, at the weekends, then it'll be internationals." #lfc [red bull] pic.twitter.com/xFnv1xJTcE
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 21, 2022
Liverpool played 63 games, the maximum last season and it has definitely had an effect on the side as it was something that had never been achieved before – it was bound to.
The Reds suffered injuries and indifferent form in pre-season but ultimately started the season well with the win over Manchester City in the Community Shield before going onto a very poor run in the league.
With the postponement of games for the Queen’s funeral, plus the international break, Liverpool have the chance to reset and get players back fully fit. That will put them in good stead from now until the break for the World Cup.
However, they will have to contend with two games a week for the foreseeable future due to the schedule ahead. It will be difficult for most teams but given Liverpool’s recent history, it could be a tough time for their squad physically.
