Trent Alexander-Arnold, a standout for Liverpool, called the belief that he is a better attacker than defence “harsh.”
Alexander-Arnold’s versatility on the pitch has allowed him to transition from a right-back position to that of a quasi-midfielder.
The 25-year-old has also shown that his set pieces are extremely lethal, whipping in risky free kicks that send opposing backlines reeling.
On Saturday, he helped the Reds defeat Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield by setting up Luis Diaz’s second goal, marking his 100th goal involvement for the team.
Alexander-Arnold has received criticism over the years for his defensive flaws despite his talent for creating plays.
Jamie Carragher, a legend of Liverpool, even questioned whether the right-back would ever be a good defender in March 2023.
Carragher told CBS, “We all know his defending isn’t good enough.”
“I don’t believe it will ever be sufficient. The player in question has participated in 260 games. It won’t get much better right now.”
Carragher said that Alexander-‘worst traits Arnold displays when Liverpool is forced to defend more than attack.
The right-back thought that was a little unfair, though, given that he has played a significant role in a defence that has allowed only one goal to be scored in five Premier League games this season.
Alexander-Arnold remarked, “I think that perception was perhaps harsh.”
“It was a significant perception that was difficult to dismiss with a single strong defensive performance. However, our record is four wins from five clean sheets. That’s good for a backline.
The adage goes, “Defence wins championships, and as a member of that defence, I have to ensure that my winger doesn’t get a sniff.
“I lay targets for every game which is how many times am I dribbled past, how many times does he get a cross, how many times [he takes] a shot.”
Alexander-Arnold’s improved defence can be partially attributed to a chat he had with Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool.
Slot has won four of the five Premier League games so far, despite the difficult task of succeeding the mysterious Jurgen Klopp.
To expand on the groundwork laid by Klopp and his gegenpressing strategies, he has also embraced a more possession-focused style of play.
Alexander-Arnold asked Slot to critique his performance without holding back, a gesture that the 25-year-old has described as “really refreshing.”
“We talked about targets and aims and I said to him that I would like to be the defender that no one wants to come up against in Europe,” said Alexander-Arnold.
We made a deal that he would treat me harshly. He will point it out in group and one-on-one sessions whenever an attacker manages to get past me and emphasise that this cannot occur.
Together, we review each game, noting our high points as well as my areas for improvement. We even had approximately twenty pieces of footage from the Milan game that showed both the excellent and the things I could have done better.
“Having a manager who will support, mentor, and teach me how to be better is incredibly refreshing.
“I am someone who wants to learn, someone who strives to be the best.”
Slot has overseen Liverpool’s defensive performance this season, so it’s clear the Dutchman’s guidance for Alexander-Arnold has paid off.
In the third round of the Carabao Cup, the Reds will host West Ham at Anfield on Wednesday, where they want to keep another clean sheet.
