Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t getting enough directions from Jurgen Klopp and his coaching team.
That’s according to TalkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy. Speaking yesterday, the former Liverpool midfielder claimed that Alexander-Arnold needs more help from Klopp on when to go forward and when to stay back.
“He [Alexander-Arnold] just needs a little reminder, a little kick up the backside from the manager as maybe a few of the others do. I’m sure he’s done that this weekend after that Napoli performance,” said Murphy.
“The other thing is he’s got those other players you’re talking about, who are normally so reliable, so when he’s playing right-back in a very successful Liverpool team you’ve got Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate for the majority of last season playing well to cover him and Jordan Henderson covering him when he goes forward.
“I also think that the coaches aren’t helping him by not giving him more guidance on choosing his moments to go forward sometimes. You don’t want to stop what he does going forward, he is the best attacking full-back in the world bar none.
“But if you’re playing full-back in a back four there are times in a game where you have to forget about going forward and play your role. I think sometimes he needs a bit of help on the touchline as to when that might be.”
Klopp looking to shore up the defence
As Liverpool have struggled this season, Trent’s defensive performances have come under intense scrutiny.
There’s good reason for that, too. The 23-year-old has been far too casual at times and has lacked the intensity required for a Liverpool player.
But that doesn’t take away from what a superb asset he is to the football club. Even when he’s playing poorly, Alexander-Arnold always looks like he’s on the verge of creating something brilliant.
That’s why Liverpool simply can’t afford for him to be playing as badly as he is. Klopp has built this side on the full-back’s. However poorly he’s playing, Trent always has to be in the team.
The attacking part of his game won’t and shouldn’t change. He may not have claimed an assist so far this season, but he does have two goals from eight games. Goals, assists and constant danger, he’s one of the best around, no question.
But defensively, perhaps it would do Liverpool good to get back to basics. Instead of raiding forward at every opportunity, maybe it would be better to tuck in and make sure The Reds aren’t left quite so open.
As Liverpool stumble through their opening games, it’s important they try to become more solid. Last season was built on an impressively strong defence.
With the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Alisson Becker around, they’ll return to that at some point. Until they do though, it might be an idea for Klopp to curb Trent’s enthusiasm in the final-third slightly.
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