Alan Shearer has claimed that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ‘slight concern’ for Liverpool is his inability to sense the danger before it happens, as he told Match of the Day.
That’s why the Premier League’s highest goalscorer feels he’s not a regular for England, although, the Liverpool right-back was defended by Gary Lineker who stated that ‘occasional error’ should paper over what he brings going forward.
Someone like Alexander-Arnold has revolutionised that full-back role in the modern game, with those players now becoming playmakers rather than doing the graveyard shift up and down the flank.
Whilst Liverpool’s creator from the right works his magic week in and week out for his boyhood club, he still hasn’t managed to cement a regular place in England’s XI.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously come out and defended those who have been critical of his player going back, well, Alexander-Arnold’s qualities were debated by both Shearer and Lineker over the weekend.
“Jurgen Klopp said he would knock down anyone that is slightly doubting Trent’s defensive ability,” said Lineker. “Are you brave enough?”
Shearer responded: “First and foremost, I think he is an unbelievable footballer. His passing is incredibly good. His crossing is amazing. I would have loved to have been in the same team as him.
“But the slight concern and issue he has is spotting the danger. Smelling the danger when it’s going to happen. That second before – that’s why he hasn’t played for England as much as he should do. Footballing-wise you can’t fault him.”
Lineker then added: “Surely, the assets of him going forward and the amount of goals he creates. Way more than anyone else is much more important than the occasional error he might make.”
Shearer responded: “You are trying to look for perfection. That’s what you want from players. That’s what Gareth wants in his squad. He doesn’t have to do, a lot of the time, the defensive duties when he’s in this team because of their high line.”
The fact of the matter is in England’s current system, Alexander-Arnold doesn’t suit how they play.
Mainly because Gareth Southgate doesn’t push his team as high or as aggressive up in the final third as Klopp would on the domestic stage.
That’s not the fault of TAA, but the system he plays in, so it has to be then be questioned whether the current tactics work.
For some, England are hitting milestones they haven’t reached in decades and decades.
Whilst others think this is the best crop of players England have ever had, so they should be doing more, including getting the best out of Alexander-Arnold.
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