England’s creative woes: Liverpool star shines amid criticism and scapegoating

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold ended the Euro 2024 group stages as the most creative English player despite receiving limited minutes

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold emerged as the most creative English player in the Euro 2024 group stages despite limited playing minutes. The 25-year-old received severe criticism even before the Euro 2024 competition commenced with many calling his midfield role a mistake.

Legendary manager Jurgen Klopp used Trent as the central midfielder in many games last season when Liverpool needed a comeback. The 25-year-old played as a quarterback against clubs like Crystal Palace and Fulham to dictate the play and create chances.

Through his incredible playmaking ability, the Reds made several successful comebacks last season until an injury crisis changed the situation. Trent himself suffered a significant time on the sidelines due to injuries but his subtle transition into a midfielder continued.

England manager Gareth Southgate opted to use the Liverpool vice-captain in the midfield alongside Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. However, many British pundits and English media hated the idea while preferring someone like Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo as Rice’s midfield partner.

Despite Trent’s good performances, England struggled as they lacked the attacking outlet to fully utilize the Liverpool star’s playmaking ability. During the final group stage game, the coach relegated Trent to the bench while Conor Gallagher and Mainoo each played 45 minutes.

England delivered another boring draw without having Trent take the blame for their miserable tactical style and poor philosophy. However, Mainoo received a lot of praise despite failing to make any impact while playing a free role in midfield.

The Man United youngster has a strong backing of many highly-influenced social media accounts and several British pundits and media. They resorted to faking his game stats, displaying 100% tackles and 100% crossing alongside two duels won and 1 dribble.

The truth is that Mainoo’s blind cross reached his English teammate at the far end while he made one tackle. The youngster fouled the opponent and he lost three out of five duels, also failing with his one dribble. Meanwhile, Trent finished the with most chances created by an English player in only 129 minutes, according to TNT Sports.

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English media’s behaviour is the prime example that makes Liverpool fans use the famous phrase “We are not English, we are Scouse”. At one end they exaggerate a player with a false interpretation of stats, someone who is without a doubt talented but not ready. At the same time, they use a generational playmaker like Trent as a scapegoat, attempting to destroy his morale with their witch-hunt and poor analysis.