Michael Owen has explained that Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threats but believes the 23-year-old is a defensive liability.
It’s a reality that likely forms part of the reason why it’s now unclear whether the fullback will be a part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup that begins next month.
The No.66 did little to silence his doubters with another questionable performance against Brighton and the ex-Red has now looked at how an old player for the Merseysiders in Ryan Kent could hurt Jurgen Klopp’s men in the Champions League by occupying ‘almost cheating positions’.
“Most teams who play Liverpool identify Trent as one of the main attacking threats they need to stop,” Owen said (as quoted by Daily Mail). “By the same token, they will also say their biggest opportunity for getting in is on his side.
“Jordan Henderson has tended to try and cover for him but sometimes Jordan is not playing and that has been a cause for concern in certain games. One of Liverpool’s biggest strengths can also be one of their biggest weaknesses.
“Ryan Kent will obviously know that. I’m sure he still watches Liverpool and there will be a huge part of him that is fond of the club.
“If you are an opposing manager you are looking for a player to make those out-to-in runs, especially if Trent vacates.
“Liverpool have a lot of the ball at Anfield so Trent is going to be sucked into those advanced positions.
“If Rangers can win it and be brave enough to leave Kent in almost cheating positions, they could counter-attack with a bit of force.”
In regards to attacking, Alexander-Arnold is one of the best full backs in the world and he has redefined the position in recent years.
His primary job, however, is to defend and it’s fair to say that his performances so far this season have been lacklustre.
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In fairness, though, many of his Liverpool teammates have also struggled to perform at the level many expected this season and that is reflected by their current position in the Premier League table.
Klopp’s side sit in ninth at the moment, four points behind Brighton who occupy the final Champions League spot and a whopping 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal (who have played a game more than Liverpool).
The Anfield outfit need a huge reaction against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side on Tuesday night and Owen has previewed the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash.
“Rangers players are used to big games,” the ex-striker said. “The Old Firm games are huge occasions, not just in Scotland, but around the world and they also have good European experience.
“I don’t think they are used to playing a team of this quality but in saying that Liverpool are not at the top of their game at the moment so there is a small bit of hope there.
“Liverpool fans will be hoping that they are just finding their stride. But to those who have watched every game this season it doesn’t quite feel like that.
“They need that foothold in the Champions League group and Rangers could bear the brunt of that.
“It will be tough for them at Anfield but Ibrox could be different.”
We were embarrassed by Napoli in our opening Champions League game but earned a decent victory against Ajax after that.
Though the performance against Brighton was far from being as calamitous, the hope will be that it can similarly inspire an improved outing next time around
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TAA performance has been lackluster??? They have been a disaster! Every single game he costs the team at least one goal and a couple of additional chances with his complete lack of basic understanding of what the position requires! I have no clue how ppl can keep harping about his offensive qualities when he is absolutely a constant liability at the back. Liverpool’s game has been found and with its aging MF who can’t cover TAA’s multiple a game MIAs we have become a very easy team to play against. Southgate is a below average manager but he got this decision right. TAA has absolutely no business being in the England squad. What is worse for me is that no only he is an awful defender but he is super arrogant (the press and the pundits have a huge part here too..) and he simply doesn’t even put the effort defensively. It’s beneath him. He only wants to show off 50 yards diagonals every single game while being responsible for at least one goal let in every game! Shambolic, yet Klopp persists and our idea of back up was to sell a decent guy and bring an injured kid!