Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn’t at his best during the 0-0 draw with Everton today.
Speaking in his post-match press conference via liverpoolfc.com, Klopp admitted that Trent can play better for Liverpool. However, he refuted suggestions that he took the 23-year-old off due to a poor performance.
“Trent is playing all the time, Robbo is playing all the time and from time to time, like we have in the moment, we have alternatives there so that’s why we have to use them,” said the manager.
“That’s why we have to use them to bring fresh energy on the pitch, pretty much. It’s nothing to do with his performance, even when I know Trent can play better than today definitely but it’s nothing to do with that. It’s just we have to get through this period.
“Yes, players are coming back but they have to be reintegrated. We cannot just bring them back to play 90 minutes or whatever, that’s just not possible. That’s why we need to have a look where we can do the changes and give the game a new dynamic again.”
Trent struggling to kick-on for Liverpool, but he’s not the only one
Klopp’s point makes total sense here. Liverpool need to avoid a situation where they burn out Alexander-Arnold in particular.
The right-back is such a key player for The Reds, and they can’t afford to overload him. In that respect, it makes sense to manage his minutes.
But still, there are games to do that in. 0-0 with half an hour to play in a tight Merseyside Derby isn’t really one of those times.
It also can’t be denied that Trent has been below-par of late. His passing hasn’t been as crisp as usual and his defensive displays have come in for criticism.
Today’s game was unfortunately a continuation of that. Had Klopp decide to pull him out of the action for his display on the day, the £160k-a-week man could have few complaints.
Alexander-Arnold wasn’t alone in being off the boil, though. Once again, Liverpool had a few too many of their big players having off days all at once. This is becoming a little bit of a theme of The Reds’ season.
Thankfully for them, one man who was certainly at the races was Alisson Becker. Along with Joe Gomez, the goalkeeper was Liverpool’s best player on the day as they ensured their team at least took a share of the spoils.
Trent needs to fix up quickly for Liverpool. They need him at his best.
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