Alexis Mac Allister defends Trent Alexander-Arnold amid defensive criticism

Apart from his contract running down, it’s been business as usual for Trent Alexander-Arnold as he delivers up the pitch and leaves a bit to be desired at the back.

However, one of his teammates has come to his aid in that argument.

Alexis Mac Allister defends Trent Alexander-Arnold amid defensive criticism

Speaking to AS ahead of his side’s Champions League encounter against La Liga side Girona, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister discussed, among other things, the criticism often aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold for his lack of defensive acumen.

“Yes, hopefully Trent and Virgil [van Dijk] can continue with us along with [Mo] Salah. Alexander-Arnold, for example, is fundamental as he was seen against Manchester City when he returned from injury. Its [sic] quality is enormous.

“I have always said that he was criticized for his defensive role, but I have no doubt that both in defence and in attack he is a differential player. In addition, he is strong and fast which allows him to find that balance between attack and defence. Like Salah, he is in negotiations and hopefully he can continue in the team.”

Mac Allister speaking about Alexander-Arnold while being asked about him, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk and their expiring contracts, as quoted by Sports Mole.

Despite his current £180,000-per-week contract at Liverpool expiring in the summer, the 26-year-old has been a key player for Arne Slot as Liverpool go about challenging on all fronts.

The England international has provided four assists in 17 games from right-back, as Real Madrid continue monitoring his situation.

An argument not unfounded

No player is perfect. In a team sport, what matters is whether a team can find a way to maximise leveraging a player’s strengths while minimising the affects of their weaknesses.

For the most part, both Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot have demonstrated their ability to do just that with Alexander-Arnold, but of course, they being human beings there are some days when the Englishman’s frailties are on display more often than not.

One can understand why Mac Allister would not want to say a bad word about his teammate, but the fact that he even addressed it in the first place is indicative of the fact that this is an issue big enough to have been discussed out loud even in the dressing room.

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For as long as Alexander-Arnold plays for the Reds, one hopes he delivers for them more often than the goals he may concede. Another Europan clean sheet, this time against Girona certainly points to the right direction.