Glen Johnson says “people should back off” from criticising under-fire Liverpool superstar

Glen Johnson believes that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is still world class

Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold is still a world-class player and criticism for his form this season is premature.

The 23-year-old has struggled this season and has been way below par. Such underperformances have led the right-back to come under criticism.

However, Johnson does not believe that. Speaking to the PA news agency (h/t Liverpool Echo), the former Reds player defended the current right-back.

“I personally think people should back off. He set the bar so high in recent years that people are just too quick to jump on his back just because he is not at the level we are used to seeing him. Of course he hasn’t been playing to the level we are used to seeing but you don’t lose your ability overnight. He is still world-class.”

Rising through the Liverpool ranks, Trent is a cult hero at the Merseyside club. A fan favourite, the 23-year-old has won all there is to win with the Reds at such a young age.

There is no disputing that this season he has struggled. Also, it is known that the right-back is better at going forward than his defending. But that does not mean that he is to be blamed for all wrongdoings in the game.

Still a world-class player, the youngster is one of the best right-backs in England and the world. Johnson is right in his assessment. Just a few bad games do not mean that Trent is not a good defender anymore.

Trent is currently away for international duty as he has been named in England’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Germany. But he has to fight for a place in the national team, unlike back at Liverpool.

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Fans will hope that the right-back rediscovers his old form and is back to his best. It remains to be seen if he features for his country in this international break but hopefully, the urge to impress Southgate ahead of the FIFA World Cup in November is an added motivation for Trent to give his 100% at the club level as well.