Wayne Rooney has raved about Liverpool and England international right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in The Times.
The Manchester United legend believes that Alexander-Arnold is “incredible” and does not have too many worries about his defensive capabilities.
Rooney made the comments about the 24-year-old while discussing his England starting lineup for the opening game at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
The former England international believes that Alexander-Arnold should start for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Wayne Rooney on Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold
Rooney wrote: “There has been a lot of debate but Trent gives you something different. Offensively he’s incredible, with his quality of passes and crosses into the box, his set-piece deliveries and attempts at goal from free kicks.
“Fears about his defensive vulnerability are exaggerated. Yes, he has been exposed a few times this season, but I think that’s more reflective of Liverpool as a team than him individually.
“The way Liverpool play, they are exposed and open when they go forward and he is often left one v one — a scenario where it’s difficult for any defender. I think if you get the balance of the team right and have the right support in front of him, it would help Trent a lot.”
Impressive
In our view, Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best players at Liverpool and has been superb over the years.
Yes, the 24-year-old has not been at his best defensively this season, but Liverpool as a team are going through a bad period.
Alexander-Arnold is only 24, so there is still time for him to improve and get better.
Liverpool are a very attacking team, and the England international right-back does get exposed at times.
The right-back also needs to track back better.
But that will all come with time and age.
We must not forget what Alexander-Arnold has done for Liverpool over the past few years and what he has achieved.
Would Liverpool have won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League under manager Jurgen Klopp without Alexander-Arnold in the team?
Probably not.
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