Trent Alexander-Arnold has had an unusual season for Liverpool despite thriving under Arne Slot in the right-back position.
The England international has enjoyed some truly world-class performances for the Reds, but despite this, the 26-year-old has faced criticism for displays that have been way below par, with Alexander-Arnold labelled as ‘woeful’ in Liverpool’s recent win against AFC Bournemouth.
With Alexander-Arnold also set to join Real Madrid at the end of this season when the defender’s contract with Liverpool expires, there is also some concerns surrounding the right-back’s true commitment to his boyhood clubs with his deal ending in a few months.
Yet former Premier League star and England coach Ashley Cole has jumped to Alexander-Arnold’s defence, with the former Chelsea man admitting that he feels sorry for what the Liverpool fullback is currently going through.
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Ashley Cole tells critics to focus on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s qualities
Speaking on Football’s Greatest, Cole urged critics to focus on the parts of Alexander-Arnold’s game that has made the Liverpool defender one of the best in the world in his position, with the pundit clearly on the England international’s side.
Cole said: “I do feel a little bit sorry for him because what he’s given Liverpool over many, many years, is amazing performances. I don’t think you can take away the quality that Trent possesses, a lot of people always want to comment on the negative stuff on him, he can’t defend, that’s all I hear.
“But again, being in the coaching environment now, I understand that maybe that’s not his super strength. But what he can do with a ball, I’ve never seen a fullback possess the qualities of him with a ball at his feet in most areas of the pitch. And I think that’s what people should focus on.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve not been critical at times of him because we all want people to defend, right? We assume defenders, you have to defend. But again, football’s evolving, Liverpool and the old manager, Jurgen Klopp, must have been happy with the way Trent played. I think he’s a little bit hard done by at the moment.”
Ashley Cole also backs Trent Alexander-Arnold on ongoing Liverpool contract saga
As well as Alexander-Arnold’s form, the fullback’s ongoing contract saga has also drawn some eyeballs from the wrong crowd, with the Liverpool defender criticised for not wanting to stay with his boyhood club beyond this season.
Yet Cole has against backed Alexander-Arnold to make the right decision, with the former England left-back saying: “I have my opinion. I think he’s definitely got some bad press from external noise that’s written in the paper.
“I know some people might say it is his own fault because it’s his agent or whatever. [But] I’m going as a player. All we do is play football. Whatever comes in the newspaper is out of our control. ‘I’m just here to play for Liverpool and do as well as I can.’”
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