Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp jumps to defend Trent Alexander-Arnold over defensive criticism

Planet Sport writer
6 March 2022

Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his 16th assist of the season against West Ham on Saturday, but the Liverpool right-back is still criticised for his defensive abilities.

Liverpool's 14 clean sheets this season is a stat only bettered by league leaders Manchester City (15), and while Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't solely responsible for that number, the England international has certainly contributed to the Reds' stalwart backline.

Yet, while Alexander-Arnold continues to evolve the right-back role with his superb creativity and eye for goal, the 23-year-old continues to be criticsed over his defending.

It's a criticism that Jurgen Klopp struggles to understand, with the German coach saying that if Alexander-Arnold couldn't defend, he wouldn't field him at right-back.

Following the win against West Ham, Klopp said, "Absolutely, I don't understand that, that's true, but I don't think I will change that with whatever I will say.

"But if he couldn't defend, he would not play here - at least not that in that position.

"He improved in all departments and defending of course as well, but he is that young that he can improve and has to improve, but yes, his defending is not a problem we have."

Resolute from the Reds to keep that clean sheet 👊 pic.twitter.com/Y59iXqgeBA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 6, 2022

Alexander-Arnold was influential in both halves of the pitch again on Saturday, during Liverpool's 1-0 win over West Ham.

A looping cross from the right flank was met by Sadio Mane, who opened the scoring on the 27th minute.

It's a combination that has so often been successful for the Reds, and Klopp was quick to praise his right-back's offensive ability, and the relationship he shares with the Liverpool strikers.

"That's it, that he is really in the situation and focused to set up goals in these moments, that he knows where are the dangerous situations and positions in the opposition box or around that and really tries to bring the ball there.

"It's very helpful if you work together for a longer time because the strikers obviously expect that as well.

"It was a brilliant run from Sadio for the goal - and I don't think it was a shot, by the way, I really think he wanted to bring the ball in the box and then you need somebody who picks it up.

"That was Sadio in this moment, a really good goal."

Alexander-Arnold's assist raised his tally to 16 in all competitions - beating his previous records from 2018/19 and 2019/20.

He'll be hoping to bump up that number even more towards the end of the season, with Liverpool just three points behind league leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.