Trent Alexander-Arnold agrees 'tough' deal with Arne Slot as Liverpool player responds to perceived
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has described the perception that he is a better striker than defender as “harsh”.
Alexander Arnold He has evolved from right back to almost a midfielder, such is his complete role on the pitch.
The 25-year-old's set-pieces have also proven particularly lethal, unleashing dangerous free-kicks that leave opposing defensive lines in a panic.
He also racked up his 100th goal involvement for the Reds on Saturday when he assisted Luis Diaz's second goal against Bournemouth on their way to a 3-0 win at Anfield.
Despite his playmaking ability, Alexander-Arnold has been criticised over the years for his defensive deficiencies.
In March 2023, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher He even went so far as to question whether the right-back would ever be a competent defender.
“We all know their defense isn't good enough,” Carragher told CBS.
“I don't think he'll ever be good enough. We're talking about a player who's played 260 games. He's not going to improve much now.”
Carragher also said that when Liverpool are forced to defend rather than attack, Alexander-Arnold's “worst traits” become evident.
However, the right-back felt it was a little unjustified, especially as he has been an important part of a defensive unit that has conceded just one Premier League goal in five games this season.
“I think that perception was perhaps harsh,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“It was a big perception and it was hard to ignore it with just a good defensive game. But we haven't conceded a goal in four out of five games. That's exceptional for a defensive line.”
“Defense wins championships, that's the old saying, and being part of that defense means I have a responsibility to make sure my winger doesn't get caught.
“I set goals for each game: how many times I get passed, how many times I get crossed, how many times I get a shot.”
Part of Alexander-Arnold's defensive improvement is down to a conversation he had with Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot.
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Despite the daunting task of taking over from the enigmatic Jurgen KloppSlot has made a good start and has won four of five Premier League games.
He has also adopted a more possession-focused style of play to build on the foundations laid by Klopp and his gegenpressing tactics.
Alexander-Arnold asked Slot to take a no-holds-barred approach when criticising his game, a decision the 25-year-old found “really refreshing”.
“We talked about goals and targets and I told him I'd like to be the defender no one wants to face in Europe,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“We agreed that he would be tough on me. Every time an attacker gets the better of me, he will call them out in meetings and one-on-one encounters and say that can't happen.
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“We go through every game together, our highlights and where we want to improve. Even in the Milan game, we had about 20 videos going over what we could have done better and also the good parts.”
“It's really comforting to have a manager who helps me, guides me and teaches me how to be better.
“I am someone who wants to learn, someone who strives to be the best.”
Given Liverpool's defensive record under Slot this season, it's clear that the Dutchman's advice to Alexander-Arnold has proven to be quite useful.
The Reds will be hoping to keep another clean sheet when they host West Ham at Anfield on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup third round.
