Liverpool’s £72M rated star needs to improve in one aspect but is already well on his way to becoming a legend, according to former Premier League star.
The Reds edged out Ajax with a late goal from Joel Matip to secure a 2-1 victory in the Champions League which was the perfect response to their opening day defeat to Napoli.
Heavily criticised in that game was Trent Alexander-Arnold, and rightly so for his poor defensive display, but he also came under fire last night as Ajax’s equaliser came down his side.
Former PL and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand was on hand on the live coverage on BT Sport to give his opinion on the right-back as they analysed his all-round game.
1️⃣ day, 1️⃣ nominee
Today, Trent Alexander-Arnold 🏴#ballondor pic.twitter.com/ldaPEEa1BI
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 6, 2022
‘Ridiculously talented’ star needs to improve defensively
Speaking at half-time of BT Sport‘s coverage of Liverpool vs Ajax, former PL and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand weighed in on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities.
“We’re talking about a right-back. You never talked about right-backs before but they’re so important now,” said Ferdinand. “And he’s a ridiculously gifted footballer. There aren’t many – if any – around the world, other than Reece James, who give you that output up front in those forward areas that he gives you.
“It’s just the other side of it. You want the balance in these games to come. And listen, this kid is going to be a legend in the game for years to come. But there are areas in his game that he needs to tighten up but that’s part of being a footballer.”
Alexander-Arnold has come under heavy criticism this season for his defensive lapses in concentration his second-half performance against Ajax was a solid response to those claims.
Overall, he managed four tackles, won 5/7 ground duels and wasn’t dribbled past once despite being up against the in-form former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn.
This is Trent in a nutshell.
"But he can't defend…" #LFC pic.twitter.com/Jd9ygriACe
— EssinemLFC (@essinem7) September 14, 2022
It’s worth reminding that Trent at 23 years and 341 days old is the youngest player to reach 50 European games in Liverpool’s history – and he’s won every trophy at club level already.
An issue this season is Liverpool’s midfield has been well under par due to injuries and fitness issues and that right-hand side of midfield in particular has been underperforming.
The attacking intent of Harvey Elliott and Mohamed Salah means that Alexander-Arnold has been left with less protection – the type of protection that Jordan Henderson has provided so consistently over the last few years.
Like most of Liverpool’s current issues, most of them will iron out as key players return and confidence begins to grow once again – last night was a positive step and now a two week break will help them to reset ahead of another busy period.
