Rio Ferdinand has slammed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performance for Liverpool on Saturday against Manchester City.
The England international was the saviour for the Reds as the defender bagged an 80th-minute goal to secure a point for Liverpool, winning praise from the likes of Garth Crooks and Jordan Henderson.
Yet speaking on Vibe with Five, Ferdinand was left appalled by Alexander-Arnold’s display at the Etihad Stadium, with Jeremy Doku enjoying another strong performance for City.
Despite being the hero on the day with an outstanding goal, it hasn’t stopped the likes of Chris Sutton from tearing into Alexander-Arnold, with Ferdinand now jumping on the bandwagon.
The pundit said: “Listen, on the ball he does things we’ve rarely seen from a full-back. His passing, his range over varying distances. [But defensively] I just don’t understand it. There’s a passiveness when he has to defend. There’s no intensity.
Ferdinand later added: “It looked like Trent didn’t have an understanding or an acknowledgement that this is that guy. I want to know what Trent is thinking. He gets the goal, that’s unbelievable, but does he think that disguises a horrific defensive performance?
Criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Manchester City display is overblown
Alexander-Arnold putting in a poor defensive display is something we have grown used to during his time at Liverpool, yet the fullback still made a massive impact on Saturday.
Taking on the best club in the Premier League on their own turf was always going to be difficult for Liverpool, especially when they haven’t beaten City at the Etihad since 2015.
And to come away with an excellent goal and landing a huge blow in their rival’s chances of Premier League glory is a good-days work for Alexander-Arnold.
Whilst the fullback could have done better in the one-v-one battle, Alexander-Arnold can be proud of what he did on Saturday, even if the backlash is still there from certain pundits.
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