Glen Johnson believes that people need to “back off” their criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 23-year-old has had a far from convincing start to the campaign for Liverpool, but he remains a vitally important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The full-back is currently on international duty with Gareth Southgate’s England team and while Johnson is aware the scouser is better in attack than defence, he doesn’t think it’s something the graduate should be criticized for. of the Academy.
“Personally I think people should back off,” the ex-Rojo said while speaking at an LFC Foundation event (as quoted by Anfield Central). “He set the bar so high in the last couple of years that people are quick to jump on his back just because he’s not at the level we’re used to seeing him at.”
“We all know that it is better to go forward than to defend, but there is nothing wrong with that; all players are better at one thing than another.“
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher calls out Man City in response to Liverpool’s start to season
Alexander-Arnold, along with teammate and opposite full-back Andy Robertson, have reinvented the position in recent years in the way they offer such an attacking threat to Klopp’s side.
He may not be in form, but he is certainly still a world-class player and will play another important role for the club this season.
VOTE for Empire of the Kop as Best Club Content Creator (Premier League) here: Football Content Awards Or on Twitter with the FCA’s one-click Twitter link with: Vote for @Empireofthekop on @The_FCAs for #BestClubContentCreator (Premier League) League)
All players can experience spells when they don’t quite, something Johnson was keen to point out.
“I think it’s a bit harsh,” he continued. “Of course, he hasn’t been playing at the level we’re used to seeing, but you don’t lose your skill overnight. He is still world class.
“He’s still a young lad and once he gets going and gets a little more confident, I’m sure he’ll reach the heights he’s been in the past.
“Every player goes up and down in form and Trent no more than anyone wants to get back to his heights.”
It’s not just our number 66 who hasn’t been at his best this season, it’s the whole Liverpool team in general.
We got back to winning ways by beating Ajax in the Champions League recently and the hope is that when we get back into action after the international break against Brighton on October 1, we pick up another huge three points and put together a decent run of results. before. The Qatar World Cup starts in November.
Following Neco Williams’ departure to Nottingham Forest earlier this summer and Conor Bradley’s loan departure to Bolton Wanderers, there is a suggestion that Alexander-Arnold does not have enough competition at right back.
Calvin Ramsay was signed by Aberdeen during the summer window but has yet to play a minute for the club as he remains sidelined with injury.
When Kostas Tsimikas arrived from Olympiakos two years ago, Robertson’s performances seemed to improve as he realized his starting job was under threat.
Could we see the same thing happen to Alexander-Arnold when Ramsay returns to form or will Klopp be tempted to dig deeper into the transfer market for more reinforcements at the side?
EOTK INSIDER: Liverpool appear to be in a strong position to sign midfield in January, update Bellingham… and more
