Trent Alexander-Arnold response to increasing criticism revealed by similarly under fire Liverpool teammate
The recent criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold has not seemed “fair”, according to another Liverpool player of whom questions have been asked.
Liverpool came so close to winning the Premier League last season, but are well off the pace so far this term. They have only won four of their first 11 matches in the top flight. Across all competitions, their form has been inconsistent.
There have been some positive moments along the way. But plenty of times, they have been brought back down to earth. In fact, they have been to low levels that they simply haven’t been used to in the Jurgen Klopp era.
As a result, some of Klopp’s most trusted players have been under pressure. There has been a focus on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive vulnerabilities, for example.
The academy product’s place in the England squad for the World Cup has been up for question. If he does make it to Qatar, it might only be because of injuries to other options in his position.
Alexander-Arnold in previous years has been considered to be one of the best players in the world in his position. Therefore, adjusting to the new, lower perception of his abilities may be tough.
But according to teammate Joe Gomez – who has also been inconsistent this season, yet could have an outside chance of reaching the World Cup himself – Alexander-Arnold is simply in the spotlight because of his previous achievements.
And he is said to be handling the pressure well by staying grounded in the first place.
Gomez gives insight to Trent Alexander-Arnold character
Gomez told talkSPORT: “Trent is probably one of the most level-headed people around.
“He’s a real consistent character. Obviously I can’t step in his shoes and feel what he feels or have his perspective.
“But it’s obviously a by-product of how good Trent is as a player and all he’s achieved being so young.
“Obviously sometimes it doesn’t seem fair, but it’s part and parcel I guess.
“But Trent definitely applies himself every day and controls what he can control and it’s a given he’s going to try and perform the best he can for the team.
“And that’s what he does, he tries to do it every week. As players you can’t control what’s said about you and he’s obviously going to try and do the best he can.
“But as a person and off the pitch he’s definitely himself and always keeps the same application every day and has definitely not dipped his head or is worried about anything I don’t think.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold already has 241 appearances for Liverpool behind him. In that time, he has scored 15 goals, provided 62 assists, and picked up seven medals.
Still only 24 years old, Alexander-Arnold has time on his side to win his critics back over.
Liverpool squad spirit still strong
And Liverpool as a club have enough time ahead of them this season to get back on track. In the meantime, they retain a strong network within the squad.
Gomez added: “Since the gaffer [Jurgen Klopp] has come in, there’s been signings and top class players added, but we’ve been together for a while and know each other well.
“The skipper [Jordan Henderson] has been the skipper since the gaffer came and people like Milly [James Milner], Virg [Virgil van Dijk] and so on.
“Senior players have been here for a long time. So there is honest and frank conversations that can be had on the bus after games or in the dressing room.
“Just say it how it is and support each other when things aren’t going the best and fundamentally it’s been a rough season in comparison to previous ones so far and we accept that as a team.
“All we want to do is try and work to get it right.”
Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday October 26 when they face Ajax away in the Champions League.
