Michael Owen has explained that Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threats but believes the 23-year-old is a defensive problem.
The Academy graduate has recently drawn criticism for his defensive performances and it is now unclear if the full-back will be part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup which starts next month.
The Reds’ No. 66 did little to silence his doubters with another questionable performance against Brighton on Saturday and the former Red Owen has now influenced the scouser’s performances as he prepares to face ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Kent in the big Tuesday’s Champions League clash. with rangers.
“Most of the teams playing Liverpool identify Trent as one of the main attacking threats they need to stop,” Owen said (quoted by Daily Mail). “Similarly, they will also say that their biggest chance to get in is on their side.
“Jordan Henderson has tended to try to cover for him, but sometimes Jordan isn’t playing and that has been a concern in certain games. One of Liverpool’s greatest strengths may also be one of his greatest weaknesses.
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“Ryan Kent will obviously know. I’m sure he still watches Liverpool and there will be a big part of him that is fond of the club.
“If you’re an opposing manager, you’re looking for a player to make those runs, especially if Trent leaves.
“Liverpool have a lot of the ball at Anfield, so Trent will be absorbed into those forward positions.
“If the Rangers can win and be brave enough to leave Kent in almost tricky positions, they could fight back with a bit of force.”
In terms of attack, Alexander-Arnold is one of the best full-backs in the world and has redefined the position in recent years.
However, his main job is to defend and it is fair to say that his performances so far this season have been lackluster.
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To be fair though, many of his Liverpool team-mates have also struggled to perform at the level many expect this season and that is reflected in their current position in the Premier League table.
Klopp’s side sit in ninth place at the moment, four points behind Brighton, who sit bottom of the Champions League and a whopping 11 points, league leaders Arsenal (who have played one game more than Liverpool).
The Anfield side need a big reaction against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side on Tuesday night and Owen has anticipated the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash.
“Rangers players are used to big games,” Owen said. “Old Firm games are great occasions, not just in Scotland but all over the world and they have a good European experience as well.
“I don’t think they are used to playing against a team of this quality, but in saying that Liverpool are not at the top of their game at the moment, there is a bit of hope there.
“Liverpool fans will hope they are just finding their groove. But for those who have watched every game this season, it doesn’t feel like that.
“They need that foothold in the Champions League group and Rangers could bear the brunt.
“It will be difficult for them at Anfield, but Ibrox could be different.”
We were embarrassed by Napoli in our first Champions League match, but we got a decent win against Ajax after that.
It takes three huge points against the Glasgow-based team to put us in a decent position ahead of the reverse group fixtures.
Liverpool’s big problem may already have been resolved after Merson noted the international break advantage.
