Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has defended teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, as he has had to endure excessive amounts of criticism this season.
Speaking on Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, the Scotsman stood up for the right-back, who has come under fire many times this season for his so-called defensive weaknesses.
“He’s a special, special player and sometimes people forget how young he is,” said Robertson.
“But, he’s got the world at his feet. He’s up there with the best players in the world, never mind best right-backs.”
Addressing why it seems that Alexander-Arnold receives more criticism than most players, he added:
“People are quick to talk players up, especially English players. But they’re also quick to knock them back down again.
“Since he’s came onto the scene, he’s been frightening…what he’s done with a football, what he’s done for the game, what he’s done for the club. He’s been unbelievable.
“We all show weaknesses. Every full-back gets beat by a winger every now and again. We all have dips of form. Maybe when Trent has a wee dip in form, a lot more gets said about it than other players. I don’t know why but I know he’s a strong character and he can block it out.
“So, when things get said, I don’t worry about him. That’s for sure. But yeah, the criticism of him is quite heavy and I don’t really know why.”
Robertson defends Trent
Compared to previous campaigns, this season certainly hasn’t been one of Alexander-Arnold’s best.
With the side struggling all over the pitch, the right-back hasn’t been able to bomb on as much as he usually would.
Instead, he has often been left vulnerable at the back, with little help coming from the right-sided midfielder and Mohamed Salah.
It’s fair to say the 24-year-old has been up and down defensively. One match he is absolutely excellent at the back, whereas in the next, he may be sloppy in possession, also lacking that crucial spatial awareness.
Despite this, he has received far too much criticism – often being targeted as a scapegoat.
Very few Liverpool players have covered themselves in glory this season, so it’s been quite unfair to see the excessive amount of criticism aimed at Alexander-Arnold.