Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp backs Trent Alexander-Arnold after England snub
England were relegated to League B of the UEFA Nations League post their loss to Italy in a match where Gareth Southgate named Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench. The Three Lions played Germany next, and this time, Southgate left the Liverpool right-back out of the matchday squad.
Southgate was criticised for his decision and eventually, England drew the game 3-3 at Wembley. Trent’s counterparts, Reece James and Kieran Trippier, seem to have Southgate’s trust due to their form with Chelsea and Newcastle United respectively.
The 23-year-old has not had the best of times with the national team, appearing in only 17 of a possible 36 games from his debut back in June 2018. Southgate has a plethora of right-backs to choose from, but Trent’s attacking abilities come in better than anyone else competing for his spot.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp trusts his right-back more than anyone and said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Brighton and Hove Albion. The German also called Trent “exceptional”.
“Whatever team I would have at the moment, I would pick Trent. He is exceptional. It’s Gareth’s decision. He made it. I see it differently. Doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong. “
“Trent came back not in a party mood, but he accepts the manager’s decision because he is extremely bright. The manager decides and more often than not here it is the case he is picked. It’s clear, he’s a world-class player.”
Jurgen remained rather tight-lipped and did not want to critique Southgate’s choice, and was understandably diplomatic with his answers. But having said that, he mentioned Trent’s exceptional quality and added that he would pick him in any squad.
Earlier this week, Gabby Agbonlahor suggested Trent retire for a while if not given a chance with England until a new manager took charge. The Liverpool right-back’s chances of getting on the plane to Qatar seem slimmer by the day given Southgate is sticking to his favourites.
Trent would hope to make a strong case for himself and prove to the England gaffer that he was not the wisest in sitting the right-back for England’s games. Liverpool’s game against Brighton will be an opportunity for the right-back to make a case for himself.
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He has been, in all honesty, a little out-of-form when it comes to defending but perhaps this expulsion by Southgate comes at the right time where it can motivate him to give that extra bit on the pitch for the Reds and make his case.
