In Focus: Trent has the talent to prove critics wrong

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Liverpool duty did not go as planned after a difficult international break.

The Reds’ 3-3 draw with Brighton saw them drop more points at Anfield and the right-back was at fault for one, if not two, of the Seagulls' goals.

But is the criticism of Alexander-Arnold too harsh or deserved after a challenging first two months of the campaign?

Ahead of the Merseysiders' Champions League meeting with Rangers tonight, we take a closer look.

Southgate snub

Liverpool’s early season woes mean that nobody in Jurgen Klopp’s squad has been free from criticism.

Even the usually imperious Virgil van Dijk has given away penalties against Fulham and Napoli, as well as being criticised for failing to close down Jadon Sancho’s opener in the 2-1 loss at Manchester United.

But the focus on Alexander-Arnold, still only 23, increased when he failed to play a minute for England against Italy and Germany, with Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker all ahead of him in Gareth Southgate's pecking order.

The Three Lions boss said: "The other night [against Italy], we didn't need the left-back cover. 

"Against Germany we did because of the way we went with the team so we needed Chilly [Ben Chilwell] on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all-round game is ahead [of Alexander-Arnold]."

Defensive shortcomings

It took Leandro Trossard just four minutes to slip past Alexander-Arnold and fire Brighton ahead last Saturday.

Thirteen minutes later, a really poor defensive header allowed the Seagulls to pounce and make it 2-0 shortly after.

Liverpool have conceded 14 goals in all competitions and while Alexander-Arnold has not made an error directly leading to a shot or goal, he has not covered himself in glory.

Aleksandar Mitrovic rose above him to score at Fulham on the opening weekend and he was left stranded by Anthony Elanga for the aforementioned Sancho goal at Old Trafford.

In the 4-1 defeat at Napoli, both Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho stood still instead of tracking the runner for the second, while he was bypassed like he was not even there ahead of the third.

And though they beat Ajax, one simple ball down the line caught the right-back flat-footed and allowed Steven Berghuis ample time and space to cross for the visitors' equaliser.

Klopp backing

Despite that, Klopp fiercely defended his player ahead of the Brighton clash last week.

While accepting that, at times, Alexander-Arnold has been at fault, Klopp laid the blame at the entire side for their defensive mistakes.

The German boss, 55, said: "There are other situations where he [Alexander-Arnold] was not aware or there was a challenge he should have won. 

"Every player has these challenges. But with him? Every time it is picked up and analysed, all the experts saying this is a weakness. 

"Honestly, I just don’t get it. A world-class talent gets judged by the one thing he is not as world class at as the other things? If he was not a good defender, he would not play."

Attacking threat

Going forward, Alexander-Arnold is still a vital cog in Liverpool’s play and he has shown his class this term.

His 659 touches are the sixth most in the Premier League, while he has attempted 65 crosses and completed 20 — only Trippier has made more successful ones.

In seven games this season, Alexander-Arnold is yet to notch an assist after having 12 in 32 league appearances in 2021-22.

His supply line is slightly down with no big chances created and 21 chances in total, compared to 18 big and 90 in total last term.

But that will likely correct itself over the season given the quality he possesses in his right boot.

Improvement

Former England full-back Gary Neville recently said: "The balance between being a good defender and being a good attacker is imperative, and you cannot be 70-80% attacker and only 10% defender when you are a full-back either.

"So I think what Trent has got at this moment in time is a little bit of imbalance in his game between what would be the attacking part and what would be the defensive part.

"I think Trent has got to work on his defending. I said it two or three years ago. I thought his lack of seriousness in his defending, his lack of alertness, at some point in his career will hold him back."

Given Alexander-Arnold's role in one of the biggest teams in the country, as well as the debate his England career creates, Liverpool's academy graduate will continue to be placed under the microscope.

He has shown plenty of times just how good he can be — and when the Reds are performing well, his defensive shortcomings are the last thing on anyone’s mind.

Confidence will be in short supply currently, but with a little extra work off the pitch and a turnaround in fortunes for the entire Liverpool side, Alexander-Arnold can dig himself out of this small trough and carry on his impressive career.