Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has labelled the perception he’s a better attacker than he is a defender as ‘harsh’.
Alexander-Arnold has evolved from a right-back into a quasi-midfielder, such is his all-encompassing role on the pitch.
The 25-year-old’s set pieces have also proved to be particularly deadly, whipping in dangerous free kicks that leave opposition backlines panicking.
He also racked up his 100th goal involvement for the Reds on Saturday when he assisted Luis Diaz’s second goal against Bournemouth en route to a 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Despite his playmaking proficiencies, Alexander-Arnold has come in for criticism over the years regarding his defensive shortcomings.
In March 2023, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher went as far as questioning if the right-back will ever be a competent defender.
“We all know his defending isn’t good enough,” Carragher told CBS.
“I don’t think it will ever be good enough. We’re talking about a player who’s played 260 games. It’s not going to massively improve now.”
Carragher also said when Liverpool are forced to defend more than attack, Alexander-Arnold’s ‘worst traits’ are on full show.
However, the right-back felt it was slightly unwarranted, especially since he has been a big part of a defensive unit that has shipped just one goal in the Premier League from five games this season.
“I think that perception was perhaps harsh,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“It was a big perception and it was hard to shrug off with just one good defensive game. But we have had four out of five clean sheets. That is exceptional from a backline.
“Defence wins championships, that’s the old saying, and being part of that defence means I have responsibilities to make sure my winger doesn’t get a sniff.
“I lay targets for every game which is how many times am I dribbled past, how many times does he get a cross, how many times [he takes] a shot.”
Part of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive improvement is down to a conversation he had with new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
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Despite the daunting task of taking over from the enigmatic Jurgen Klopp, Slot has hit the ground running and has won four out of five Premier League fixtures.
He has also adopted a more possession-focused style of play to build on the foundations established by Klopp and his gegenpressing tactics.
Alexander-Arnold requested Slot take a no-holds-barred approach with critiquing his game, a move the 25-year-old has found ‘really refreshing’.
“We talked about targets and aims and I said to him that I would like to be the defender that no-one wants to come up against in Europe,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“We agreed that he will be harsh on me. Any time an attacker gets past me he will call it out in meetings and individual meetings and say this cannot happen.
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“We go through every game together, our highlights and where he wants me to improve. Even the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well.
“It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me how to be better.
“I am someone who wants to learn, someone who strives to be the best ever.”
Given Liverpool’s defensive record under Slot this season, it is evident the Dutchman’s advice for Alexander-Arnold has proved to be quite useful.
The Reds will hope to keep another clean sheet when they welcome West Ham to Anfield on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
