Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a magnificent display in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Arsenal, showing he's back to his very best.
The 22-year-old right-back has had a difficult fortnight after he was surprisingly left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for England's World Cup qualifiers. He's also struggled to find his best form as Liverpool experienced a spectacular mid-season dip and have suffered a series of centre-back injuries.
However against Arsenal on Saturday night, Alexander-Arnold gave a superb, action-packed display. He owned the right flank - and produced the crucial assist for Diogo Jota that broke the deadlock.
Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool vs. Arsenal:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2021
◉ Most open-play crosses (6)
◉ Most chances created (4)
◉ Most interceptions (3)
Are you watching, Gareth Southgate? 👀 pic.twitter.com/1UWmiaWwom
That pinpoint cross was met with a cathartic roar from Alexander-Arnold, as he finally found release after a fortnight spent training in Liverpool rather than pulling on the Three Lions shirt.
SOUTHGATE ARE WATCHING THIS. https://t.co/61kvtbgfHE
— cornell (@cornelltheking) April 3, 2021
But it wasn't just that one moment - Alexander-Arnold was great throughout. He was constantly available for the ball and involved in Liverpool's attacking display.
However the Liverpool academy product was also strong in defence and cut out several Arsenal passes forward, producing three interceptions to go with his prolific chance creation.
He was - alongside Jota, who scored twice in the 3-0 win - the best player on the pitch for Jurgen Klopp's inspired Reds.
THAT is what it meant to Trent Alexander-Arnold 🔥 #LFC pic.twitter.com/MRvzabcnCU
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 3, 2021
Afterwards, Klopp wouldn't be drawn on the surprise choice of Southgate to leave Alexander-Arnold out of his squad post-match.
However he admitted in an interview before Saturday evening's game that he "didn't understand" the choice to leave out a player widely viewed as one of the world's best in his position over the last few years.
This young #lfc right-back Alexander-Arnold looks good. Constantly involved, intelligent positioning, defending well and putting in some great crosses to Milner, Salah and now Jota who scores. Maybe worth a look for #eng.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 3, 2021
"If Trent Alexander-Arnold is not in the squad then England must have an extremely good squad," said Klopp.
"I was surprised when he didn't get the call-up. I respect the decision, of course I do. But I didn't understand it.
Jota puts Liverpool 3-0 up!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2021
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"I am a manager myself; I make decisions every day, every weekend, every midweek about team selections and squad selections...
"I respect that Gareth makes his own decisions, of course, but I didn't understand it anyway because Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the last two seasons at least, let me say the season before and the season before that, the stand out right-back in world football - that is the truth and at an unbelievable young age."
Alexander-Arnold's terrific all-round display at the Emirates certainly backed that up.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-football-reactions-trent-alexander-arnold-is-back-to-his-best-incredible-highlights-show-20210403
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