According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane plans to target space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold this evening.
The plan involves instructing the pacy Vinicius Junior to target Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Real Madrid manager of the opinion that the Englishman is Liverpool’s weakest defender.
Alexander-Arnold isn’t a bad defender – far from it. He appears from the outside as though he is constantly out of position but Jurgen Klopp positions him so high up the pitch when in possession so when the ball is turned over, he often has a lot of ground to make up.
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MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrates with the European Cup and members of his family during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
This does make Liverpool vulnerable, especially with Jordan Henderson out injured as the skipper was often tasked with playing as an auxiliary right-back whenever Alexander-Arnold would foray forward.
However, if the Scouser in the correct position, he’s not a pushover as some rival fans would argue. On the flip side, Real Madrid will need to ensure they’re not exploited at the other end of the pitch by Alexander-Arnold.
After being dropped by England, the 22-year-old was in inspired form against Arsenal at the weekend.
He won Man of the Match after his unbelievable cross from the right-wing found Diogo Jota between two centre-halves to open the scoring and ultimately win the game.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT ) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on April 03, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold dominated Arsenal from right back. According to WhoScored, he grabbed an assist, had 94 touches and was only dispossessed once.
His performance was crucial to Liverpool winning the game and will surely have proved to Gareth Southgate that he has to go to the Euros after his bizarre absence from the England squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Real Madrid may need to reassess their plan to target him as he’s clearly not a player to be trifled with after his display at the Emirates Stadium.
