‘Certainly affected him’: Pundit pinpoints reason ‘influential’ Liverpool player has dropped off this season

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Former Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee sees one factor that has ‘certainly affected’ the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The full-back has been in for criticism this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been in good form this season. In his defence, very few at Liverpool have been – but no one has faced more criticism than the right-back.

Alexander-Arnold has looked isolated and exposed defensively, with many goals coming down his side. Some have been from clear mistakes on his part.

But even in attack, we’re just not seeing the same output from the 24-year-old. Again, he’s not the only one you can say that about – even Mohamed Salah is struggling.

But former Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee sees one obvious reason for Alexander-Arnold slipping with his form. He believes last season has taken a clear toll.

“Controversial for everyone out there,” Lee said on Sam Allardyce’s podcast. “Trent has to go [to the World Cup] for me.

“It’s certainly affected him and he’s one of the most influential players. Even now he’s not at his best moment, but I think he will improve.

“His creativity, his delivery and set pieces for me. We know the question marks against him about his defending, but you have him in the squad and allow him to change games.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold form

We think Lee is right on an overall case. Liverpool as a whole appear to be feeling the effects of last season – be it fitness-wise or just mental exhaustion.

Last season’s gameplan simply doesn’t work, after all. You could easily point to Sadio Mané’s exit as a reason for that but it doesn’t explain the entire story. Liverpool are weaker defensively, not necessarily going forward.

Teams cut through them and press with ease in midfield. That wasn’t happening last season and exhaustion – physical or mental – is the only real answer. Once that happens and things break down, all players are suddenly exposed and unable to play their natural game.

Alexander-Arnold perhaps feels that more than most. We’re curious to see him get a run of games in this 4-4-2, then – Jurgen Klopp’s solution to the early defensive troubles. If he can settle in it, along with the rest of the team, perhaps we’ll see his best form return.