Harry Redknapp has claimed that Liverpool coaches need to do more work in training with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking to TalkSPORT this morning, Redknapp said that although Trent is a ‘fantastic’ player, his defensive game needs work.
“I still think I would have him [Trent] in the [World Cup] squad. He is a fantastic footballer, he can create things,” said the former manager. “[But] Surely someone has to work with him. Those little parts of his game. Most of his game is incredible going forward, his passing and his crossing. He is still open to that ball inside and not aware sometimes defensively or at the back post.
“Someone has to work with him on the training ground. [They should say] Let’s do 20 minutes every day. Get your body position right. Get yourself back in position and just do a bit with him. It’s not rocket science to spend a bit of time and sort those problems out because he has got a few problems defensively.
“I would still take him [to 2022 World Cup]. But, we are very strong at right-back, for sure. But he would be in my squad. He could even play in different positions. He has the ability to play forward, play central (midfield) or wide in front of the right-back”
Trent urged to get back to basics
It would seem like a basic suggestion from Redknapp to get Trent putting in the hours on the training pitch. But perhaps he does just need a little extra assistance.
Such is the way Liverpool set up, a lot of the drills involving the full-backs are likely to focus on attacking.
In that sense, the work on the training pitch has obviously paid off massively with Alexander-Arnold. From coming into the side as a skinny teenager to becoming one of the best right-backs in the game, he’s certainly put the hard yards in.
Now that he’s mastered that side of his game though, maybe it’s time to get back to basics for a little while.
If only to quieten down the chatter around his supposed deficiencies, it could be worth it. Should the 23-year-old put in a few defensively solid performances between now and the World Cup, the conversation will probably shift.
Liverpool certainly have players who could make his life difficult in training. In theory, Alexander-Arnold should be coming up against Luis Diaz on a daily basis at the AXA Training Centre.
Set the Colombian a task of driving at Trent every single time he gets the ball and the Scouser’s level will surely improve.
Noticeably raise his level over the coming months and there will be no excuse for Gareth Southgate to overlook him for Qatar.
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