Trent Alexander-Arnold has firmly established himself as one of the premier footballers in the world, renowned for his unique combination of technical skill, vision, and creativity. His performances for Liverpool over the past several seasons have helped him garner recognition as one of the best right-backs of his generation. Whether it’s delivering pinpoint crosses, dictating play from deep, or scoring from set-pieces, Alexander-Arnold’s influence on the pitch is undeniable. This multi-faceted skill set is why he’s become a target for clubs like Real Madrid, which continues to express interest in signing the Liverpool star.
However, despite his obvious talent, Alexander-Arnold has often found himself under scrutiny, particularly regarding his defensive abilities. In an age where every player is analyzed and criticized, no matter their achievements, the narrative around Alexander-Arnold’s supposed defensive shortcomings has persisted in certain circles. This critique, while at times exaggerated, has been amplified by figures in the media, such as former Liverpool player Steve Nicol and pundit Leroy Rosenior, both of whom have openly questioned whether the 25-year-old is defensively solid enough to be considered a complete right-back.
Nicol has famously claimed that Alexander-Arnold “can’t defend,” while Rosenior has echoed similar sentiments. Their criticisms largely focus on moments in matches where Alexander-Arnold has been caught out of position or appeared to struggle in one-on-one defensive duels. This perception of his defensive frailty contrasts sharply with his undeniable offensive brilliance, leading to debates among pundits, analysts, and fans about the overall balance of his game.
But not everyone agrees with this harsh assessment. In a recent interview with *Sky Sports*, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish came to Alexander-Arnold’s defense, dismissing the idea that the Liverpool full-back is weak defensively. Grealish, who has shared the pitch with Alexander-Arnold as teammates for England, praised him as an “unbelievable player” and suggested that the criticism he receives is more a reflection of modern football culture, where even the best players are often unfairly scrutinized for minor imperfections.
Grealish’s defense of Alexander-Arnold is revealing, especially coming from a fellow professional who has faced similar media critiques. He explained how, no matter how good a player is, people tend to focus on perceived weaknesses. Grealish pointed out that this kind of scrutiny is not exclusive to defenders like Alexander-Arnold. Even players at the very pinnacle of the game, such as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, face criticism despite their obvious excellence. Grealish remarked how Haaland, widely regarded as one of the most dominant strikers in the world, is sometimes criticized for his first touch, a critique Grealish finds absurd given Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring record and overall impact on the game.
Regarding Alexander-Arnold, Grealish suggested that people are simply looking for something to critique. “Everyone just tries to look at something,” he said. “Whether you are a defender, attacker, whatever, people say things about what they think is not your best strength.” He emphasized that these criticisms are often exaggerated, and in Alexander-Arnold’s case, they do not paint the full picture. Grealish’s perspective adds valuable insight into how players view the criticism of their peers and highlights the disconnect between media narratives and on-field realities.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has also been vocal in defending his player from critics. Klopp, known for his strong public backing of his squad, has repeatedly dismissed the notion that Alexander-Arnold is a liability in defense. In one of his more impassioned responses, Klopp said, “If one of you thinks still that Trent cannot defend then I’m sorry, you have no idea about football.” For Klopp, the idea that Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities are in question is not only inaccurate but “madness.” He pointed to Liverpool’s overall defensive record as evidence that Alexander-Arnold’s contributions at the back are not a weakness, but a strength.
Indeed, statistics support Klopp’s claim. Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success with Alexander-Arnold in their back four, winning both the Premier League and the Champions League during his tenure. This season alone, Liverpool had conceded only two goals at the time of Klopp’s comments, with Alexander-Arnold playing every minute at right-back. His positioning, reading of the game, and work rate have all been crucial in Liverpool’s solid defensive performances. Furthermore, his ability to launch attacks from deep, often bypassing the midfield with his range of passing, has redefined the modern role of a right-back, making him an indispensable part of Liverpool’s success.
The criticism Alexander-Arnold faces stems, in part, from his unorthodox style as a right-back. Traditionally, full-backs were expected to be primarily defensive players, with their attacking responsibilities secondary. However, Alexander-Arnold’s role under Klopp has evolved beyond these traditional boundaries. He is not just a defender but a playmaker, contributing to Liverpool’s build-up play and often being their primary creative outlet. As a result, his defensive work can sometimes be overlooked or unfairly criticized, particularly when judged against outdated standards for the position.
In truth, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive ability has always been a part of his game, but his attacking prowess is so extraordinary that it can overshadow the defensive contributions he consistently makes. His ability to track back, his pressing in wide areas, and his defensive recoveries are integral to Liverpool’s system. While there may be moments where he is caught out of position—something that happens to every player—it is hardly a defining flaw in his game. Instead, his overall contribution to both Liverpool and England’s success is a testament to his quality as a complete footballer.
As Klopp, Grealish, and many others have highlighted, Trent Alexander-Arnold is an exceptional player whose defensive abilities are often unfairly scrutinized. He continues to prove his critics wrong by delivering top-level performances for both club and country, helping to redefine what a modern full-back can be. With his unique blend of attacking flair and defensive awareness, he remains one of the most important players in world football.