Expert makes ‘phenomenal’ Trent Alexander-Arnold claim after Liverpool news confirmed
Alan Hutton has claimed Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to be “stronger” defensively for Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Alexander-Arnold is “one of the best in the world” but he has to be more commanding at the back.
On 12 August, Liverpool confirmed that Alexander-Arnold, 23, has been nominated for the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
He joins Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Fabinho and defensive partner Virgil van Dijk on the shortlist that is based on the players’ achievements from the 2021-22 season.
Hutton claimed Alexander-Arnold doesn’t have any problems going forward but needs to work on his defensive game.
“As a full-back, that’s an area where there is pressure put on you,” he told Football Insider.
“You have to be more aggressive. I think it’s probably an area where everybody sees Trent and he can be better going forward, that’s not a problem.
“He’s phenomenal, one of the best in the world. But I think defensively you have to be stronger there. You have to be commanding, especially in the six yard box you have to go an attack the ball and win it. And I’m pretty sure Jurgen Klopp has let him know that.“
The Reds drew 2-2 with Fulham in their Premier League season opener last Saturday (6 August).
As quoted by the BBC (7 August), Jurgen Klopp demanded a “massive improvement” from his side ahead of their game against Crystal Palace on Monday (15 August).
In other news, a pundit has issued his verdict on Liverpool signing Thiago replacement after update today.