Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t receive his usual reaction from Jurgen Klopp when he was subbed off against Crystal Palace on Saturday night.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who spotted the German’s lack of affection when he pulled the 24-year-old off in the 71st minute.
The Scouser was let off the hook on a number of occasions by the Eagles’ attack, after they failed to capitalise on mistakes he made inside Alisson Becker’s box.
This forced the Reds manager into a substitution, with Alexander-Arnold being replaced by Fabinho.
However, when leaving the pitch, the defender didn’t receive his usual hug from Klopp. Instead, he sat down straight away after his disappointing display.
No usual Klopp hug for Trent
It was a night to forget really for Alexander-Arnold.
Despite blocking a shot, making two tackles and winning three duels, the 24-year-old lacked defensively.
He made two errors which gave Palace two chances on goal. This was exacerbated as he lost possession on 25 occasions – wasting Liverpool’s chances on the ball.
Furthermore, less than half of his crosses and long passes were accurate – ultimately capping off a below-par display from the full-back.
However, despite this, it certainly wasn’t his worst performance by any means.
Alexander-Arnold has received far too much criticism in recent months, often being scapegoated in a poor Liverpool side.
Whilst it hasn’t been his best season in a Reds shirt, this has been the case for the vast majority of players in Klopp’s squad.
Therefore, it’s unfair to single out the right-back for criticism, when numerous other players could be in this exact position.