Trent’s getting back to basics
LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold says the Reds have gone back to the drawing board as they tackle a season like no other.
Alarm bells began to ring after below-par displays in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and a 4-1 Champions League reverse at Napoli.
But Alexander-Arnold, who has received fierce criticism, believes a turnaround will come.
“It was back to the drawing board after Napoli and making sure that we need to start getting our stuff in order,” said the right-back.
“It’s hard because it’s been different to how other seasons start.
“Normally, you’ll have like three or four games in August, at the weekends, and then it’ll be internationals, then they’ll start to introduce the Champions League, then it’ll be another international.
Blocks
“I always see the first part of the season as like three little blocks of four weeks, with the internationals breaking them up, and each time you’ll play a little bit more football.
“Whereas now it’s like from the get go you’re in at the deep end.”
Former Reds right-back Glen Johnson, meanwhile, believes Alexander-Arnold remains a world-class talent and criticism of his form is premature.
“I really think people should back off,” said Johnson.
“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.
“You don’t lose your ability overnight. He is still world-class.
“He is still a young lad and once he gets going and gets a bit more confident I am sure he will reach the heights he has been at in the past.”
Johnson believes there is no reason why Alexander-Arnold cannot excel with England also.
“It’s going to take some hard work but he is more than capable of it.”