Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold gave up time off over the international break in a bid to improve his defending.
The right-back has come under intense scrutiny this season for a perceived lack of steel defensively. Indeed, his poor form led to an omission from England’s most recent squad for their games over the last week.
But according to The Times, rather than sulk, Trent has rolled his sleeves up and got his head down.
They report that the 24-year-old headed into the AXA Training Centre last week despite being given the time off. There, the focus was reportedly on ‘fitness, strength and conditioning.’
It’s claimed that Alexander-Arnold is fully aware that his performances haven’t been up to scratch this season. With a crucial part of the campaign still to come, he’s said to be ‘determined’ to get back to his best.
Trent shows his steel
This is superb news. Regardless of whether or not it does lead to an improvement in Trent, it at least confirms that his heart is very much in it.
At times this season that hasn’t always looked to be the case. Rather than any physical limitations or shortcomings in his ability, the £160k-a-week man’s dip has often looked like being a mental one.
Trent’s attitude has been questioned on more than one occasion, and with good reason too.
His body language hasn’t been good in certain games. Too many times the full-back has looked to simply give up when things haven’t been going well.
Now, Trent isn’t alone in that this season and there are plenty of others who need to step up too. But nevertheless, it’s great to see him taking more responsibility for his own displays.
With a player as talented as Liverpool’s No.66, attitude and mentality can make all the difference. Up until now, Trent’s career has been a story of enormous success. Now that things aren’t quite so sunny, we’ll see what he’s really made of. Thankfully, it looks like the Scouser is more than ready to step up to the plate. Show them what you’ve got, Trent!