Paul Merson defends Trent Alexander-Arnold from 'over-the-top' criticism
Paul Merson has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold from all the criticism that has come his way following Liverpool‘s terrible start in the Premier League this season.
The Reds haven’t won a single game yet and are 16th in the table at the moment. Midfield has been their biggest issue, but Alexander-Arnold’s defending has been constantly questioned as well after the first three games.
Merson admitted that the 23-year-old Englishman has been ‘all over the place’ when it comes to defending. Alexander-Arnold has to do better there, but the pundit believes criticism has been ‘over the top’.
Defending him further, Merson hailed the Liverpool man’s contribution at the other end of the pitch and also his ability to complete passes that ‘only Dennis Bergkamp could do’.
Paul Merson defends Trent Alexander-Arnold from ‘over-the-top’ criticism
In his column on The Daily Star, Merson wrote: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been getting loads of stick, he’s all over the place defensively right now but you have to take the rough with the smooth.
“He’s a special player. People are quick to flag his poor performances but when you’re getting assists like he does, he is such an asset. He is going to have off days, just like his unbelievable days.
“Last week against Crystal Palace, he put a ball through to Mohammed Salah that only Dennis Bergkamp could do.
“The criticism is over the top.”
TBR View:
Alexander-Arnold will always be criticised for his defending.
It’s not that the 23-year-old is a bad defender, it’s just that he’s so good in attack that people expect the same standards at the other end of the pitch as well.
Alexander-Arnold will just have to take that on the chin and move on. There definitely is room for improvement when it comes to his defending, but it’s not as big an issue some people make it out to be.
Merson’s right, the criticism is a bit over the top. However, if Alexander-Arnold stars in Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth this afternoon, everything will be forgotten.
