Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t be happy with some of his defensive play against Real Madrid last night.
That’s the view of former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand. Analysing Alexander-Arnold for BT Sport after the game, Ferdinand felt the need to highlight some sloppiness from the 24-year-old.
“I just want to take you back. I want you to see. As the ball goes into the centre forward, Trent Alexander-Arnold, you have to be thinking defensively,” said the pundit, pulling up a clip from the second-half.
“You have to be thinking my two centre halves are in trouble, there’s going to be a run, or at least let me get myself back in and cover my defenders.
“Let me play it here, as the ball goes through. Look at the separation when the ball goes down to Vinicius, he’s gone from being side by side to being five yards behind the player he was marking.
“How he’s got separation within two seconds to five yards, and a chance at goal – he’ll be looking at that, Trent, and be thinking I could do better there.”
Trent far from Liverpool’s main problem last night
Trent Alexander-Arnold being piled on for his defending during an all-round poor Liverpool performance? What’s new this season.
The Scouser wasn’t perfect against Madrid last night, but he was far from being the Reds biggest problem. Yes, he could have dealt with Vinicius better on occasion, but the Brazilian is a tricky customer.
It may not fit the narrative but between them he and Ibrahima Konate kept the Madrid winger relatively honest.
That isn’t to say that Trent couldn’t be doing a little more though. In the clip that Ferdinand highlights it is noticeable that the right-back is too often caught ball-watching. Seemingly rarely aware to dangerous play around him, Alexander-Arnold does need to raise his game in that respect.
But after a bit of a nothing game where he did little to contribute to Liverpool losing, it doesn’t feel especially relevant to bring that up. It’s been a tough season for Trent and he no doubt needs to get back to work on the training pitch. But this type of inane commentary from the likes of Ferdinand isn’t exactly helpful. Head up and go again, Trent.
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