Jurgen Klopp may have cost Liverpool CL progression dropping Alexander-Arnold

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made a bold call to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold to the bench against Paris Saint-Germain.

The German decided to take the England youngster out of the frame for the visit to France, and bring in Dejan Lovren instead.

That meant Joe Gomez was shifted over to Alexander-Arnold’s position of right back.

Eyebrows were raised as news came through of Klopp’s team selection, especially as Alexander-Arnold had contained Neymar so well in the first game between the two sides.

At the Parc des Princes, Neymar shone in the absence of the 20-year-old.

Klopp’s gamble backfired

Bringing in Lovren was, in hindsight, the wrong move.

Klopp should have perhaps had more trust in Alexander-Arnold, who is now a seasoned first-teamer despite his tender years.

He has experience in the Champions League and even started last year’s final against Real Madrid.

The fact that he did so well against Neymar last time out made the call to drop him even stranger.

Although Gomez can play right back, he is far better centrally with Alexander-Arnold wide. The pacy pair work very well together; when Lovren plays there is more vulnerability to pace. His cover is not as strong as that of Gomez.

Liverpool now have it all to do in their last game against Napoli – they must win the game either 1-0 or by two clear goals to ensure progression to the last 16.

It’s still in their hands but Klopp will have a lot to answer for if they crash out.