Trent Alexander-Arnold has had his share of criticism over the years. While he missed out on plenty of game time under former England manager Gareth Southgate, he’s finding his feet under the new regime. With the International campaign kicking off last week, it is safe to say the Reds’ vice-captain has put up master-class performances in two games.
Trent Alexander-Arnold proves his worth as a standout performer at right back
Lee Carsley joined as the England interim manager after the Euro 2024. While he made some bold decisions to bring in the youngsters in the squad, he also backed Alexander-Arnold. Moreover, in the middle of the confusion of his position, Carsley also put clarity to where he wants to see the Englishman on the pitch for his team.
Alexander-Arnold has grabbed this opportunity with both hands. After picking two MOTM awards in the first two games at the Nations League, it is getting clear who should be starting at right-back for England.
Alexander-Arnold started both games assisting once while having 87% passing accuracy over two games. He also created big chances as he set up the opener for Harry Kane against Finland. In the post-game interview, Kane took time to appreciate Alexander Arnold’s performance, speaking to ITV Sport he said:
“Great performance, backed up another top performance he played against Ireland as well. We know what Trent can do when he gets into those pockets and looks forward and has runners in behind, and you saw that today throughout the whole game. Even though it was 0-0 for a while, we were still threatening and looked like the team that was going to break the deadlock.”
The exclusion of Alexander-Arnold under Southgate was something Liverpool fans could never wrap their heads around. The former England manager preferred Tripper or Walker over the Reds’ ace despite him having a far better attacking output than them. Leaving the past behind, the Reds’ academy man is starting to establish himself in the national shirt now. Surely, the two performances under Carsley will have turned his detractors around.
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The ability and class were never doubted, it is just the system of how you use him to get the most out of him. It wouldn’t take much to understand who was in the wrong after seeing Alexander-Arnold put up such a masterclass in an England shirt.
The fullback will now return to Merseyside as his future there is still in the clouds. He currently is in his final season of the contract that offered him £180,000 per week. He will go back to Anfield with confidence and let’s hope we see the best of Trent going forward.