Trent Alexander-Arnold’s critics hit out amid Jurgen Klopp’s blunt statement – ‘Keep your mouth shut’

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently preparing for the start of the European Championship in Germany. Along with team-mate Joe Gomez, the 25-year-old is part of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad.

The Three Lions are the bookies’ favorites to win the tournament and end their 58-year drought of major honours. Alexander-Arnold has already won it all with Liverpool, leaving international football as his only unconquered frontier. He might deal with that in the next month.

Where he will play in the England squad is still to be determined, at least publicly. Southgate has used Alexander-Arnold in midfield in the past and may have to do so again due to a lack of experienced alternatives in the position. It also has Manchester City’s Kyle Walker locked into Liverpool’s usual right-back position.

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There are many people who would not trust Alexander-Arnold to play there for England if needed. Any defensive mistakes he makes are highlighted in the media when none of his position mates are held to the same level of scrutiny for the errors they make.

The latest person to put the game in Alexander-Arnold’s defense is former England manager Sam Allardyce (if taking over a single game really warrants that title). The 69-year-old was also critical of Jürgen Klopp as he gushed.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold’s weakest point is his defence. It’s hard to fathom that Jürgen Klopp has been at Liverpool for so long and we’ve yet to see his defense improve. When Liverpool had a tough time with injuries, he was exposed more than ever.

“He’s a fantastic player and he’s brilliant on the ball,” added the former West Ham boss. “He can throw a 60-yard pass as well as anyone else can play a 20-yard ball, that’s how good his passing is. In the three year period Liverpool won the Premier League and Champions League, he never had to defend, so that side of his game was never exposed until they got injured and started losing games.

“He was sacrificed for his defense but he seems to have overcome that because he can also play in midfield. People will say he won’t be as effective as Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham in midfield, but I don’t know what they’re talking about, he’s got to keep his mouth shut,” Allardyce concluded.

Liverpool.com says: Klopp has repeatedly dismissed criticism of Alexander-Arnold’s defending in the past, so he was clearly pleased with his efforts. In that light, it is incredibly unlikely that Liverpool’s number 66 will be too concerned about what Allardyce thinks. Back to your pint of wine, Sam.