Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot has claimed that Trent Alexander-Arnold can enhance defensively if he focuses extra. The star is among the prime right-backs within the Premier League. Regardless of this, the England worldwide is mostly a extra offensive defender. Statistics definitely appear to again up this notion.
Alexander-Arnold has racked up 19 objectives and an unbelievable 83 assists in 316 complete video games since making his Liverpool debut. These figures would typically be strong for a central midfielder. But they’re much more spectacular contemplating the star sometimes performs as a defender.
Though the direct purpose involvements are applauded, followers and pundits typically criticize Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills. Very like his offensive output, these gripes are additionally backed up with statistics.
Opponents dribbled previous the Liverpool star 2.5 instances per 90 minutes final season. This was the best determine of any defender within the Premier League. This specific pattern has additionally continued into the 2024/25 marketing campaign as nicely. As an illustration, no different right-back within the English prime flight has been dribbled previous extra instances (7) than the Liverpool star this season.
Slot calls on Trent Alexander-Arnold to boost focus
Alexander-Arnold lately claimed that he needed Slot to assist him enhance as a defender. In actual fact, he instructed reporters after Liverpool’s 3-0 victory towards Bournemouth that he needed “to be the defender that nobody desires to return up towards in Europe.” The defender additionally revealed that he requested his new coach to be harsh in his criticism. Slot has taken him up on the provide.
The Dutch supervisor initially praised Alexander-Arnold in a press convention on Tuesday. Slot pointed at his earlier success with the Reds, notably the particular issues he can do with the ball. Nonetheless, the coach then additionally identified the primary concern for the English defender.
“I believe with him it’s not about if he’s able to doing issues, it’s extra can his focus price consistently be in 100% focus?” stated Slot. “So, that is what we speak about quite a bit, that he has to remain energetic in each state of affairs of the sport, even when the ball is additional away from him.”
“However it’s not that we or I taught him to defend within the final three months; he’s gained the league and he’s gained the Champions League. It’s simply getting him to know all of what’s essential to play the absolute best recreation.”
Alexander-Arnold’s future within the air as contract winds down
Gamers, notably huge stars, don’t sometimes love listening to public criticism about themselves. Alexander-Arnold, nevertheless, has clearly requested for Slot to be brutally sincere in his evaluation. In his current postgame feedback, the defender claimed that it was “refreshing to have a supervisor who will assist” educate him to be a greater participant.
The connection between Alexander-Arnold and Slot could possibly be integral to the participant’s future. The English star is at the moment in his ultimate yr beneath contract with the membership. In consequence, the defender has been the topic of rumors relating to a possible transfer away from Anfield subsequent summer time. Actual Madrid is reportedly focusing on Alexander-Arnold as nicely.
Amid the uncertainty relating to his future, Alexander-Arnold lately claimed that successful trophies will undoubtedly think about his resolution. Liverpool has seemed strong beneath Slot to this point, and the Reds will hope they will seize silverware this season. Actual, then again, is probably the most profitable European membership in current reminiscence. The defender can formally talk about phrases with a overseas membership as early as January.
PHOTOS: IMAGO.
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