TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has hailed the offensive abilities of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite this, he claims his attack-minded game leaves gaps in his side’s defence.
“Well, it’s not lazy and it’s not an attack on him because Trent is an amazing footballer going forward,” Cascarino said.
“He’s one of the world’s best at getting in positions, creating chances.
“But with that, he can be exploited because he leaves space, because he’s so much of an attack minded wing-back/full-back.
“Trent is up there with the very best. If you said the world’s best right wing-back or right back as an attacking player, Trent is your number one.
“But I can’t sit here and say, well, you can’t also sometimes get in behind Trent because he’s so adventurous, because you can.”
Cascarino hails Trent’s attacking qualities
Alike all of the praise Alexander-Arnold receives, the 24-year-old is highlighted for his offensive qualities – but it doesn’t come without some sort of defensive slander.
Cascarino is certainly correct in his assessment of the £180,000-a-week Liverpool man, as he has to be the most talented playmaker at full-back in world football.
However, where the TalkSPORT pundit goes wrong, it is in his assessment of the right-back’s defensive frailties.
The Scouser is a very strong tackler of the ball, and he is often credited for last-ditch saves in front of the Anfield goal.
If there is space left behind Alexander-Arnold when he bombs forward, this is a part of the Reds’ system.
Exploiting the flanks, the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner drop in to cover the attack.
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