Jurgen Klopp has been warned that Trent Alexander-Arnold is “fried” in the same way Mohamed Salah was in his second season at Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold is widely considered to be one of the best backups on the planet, but he has not been at his best this season.
Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer has explained to the outgoing youngster, comparing him to a slated Salah in his second season at Liverpool, when that he did not hit the sad heights at his first campaign.
McAteer thinks the defender just suffers from fatigue, saying he looks “mentally and physically worn out, and his brain looks fried.”
But McAteer believes Klopp will start Alexander-Arnold in the club’s most important game so far this season, in this weekend’s Premier League match with Manchester United leaders.
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“Despite Trent Alexander-Arnold struggling a bit this season, he remains the very best backup in England,” McAteer told FreeSuperTips. “However, there is no such thing as a ‘far right’ today.
“Years ago your right back was a defensive player who was there to defend all four goals, he was there to help the winger and every so often he would get forward.
“However, the modern backfield is largely a climber. Trent is one of the best features when going forward. His cross-body and fitness are sublime, but defensively there are question marks above it.
“As a manager, you have to decide whether you want this defensive player on your side or someone who is more attacking, and that’s what Klopp wants and that’s why Trent are good. appropriate.
“For Gareth Southgate, it depends on what he wants for each game and who best fits the situation against each challenge.
(Image Credit: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“There have been games this season where he hasn’t had enough quality, which is surprising given how high he has set his own bar for concerts.
“But when you’re under the media spotlight playing for Liverpool and you don’t reach your previous level of performance, you’re going to check.
“He’s like Mohamed Salah in his first season where he got so many goals, when he didn’t meet the next season, people said he was ready, when he looks back, his stats are just amazing.
“Liverpool’s achievements under Klopp over the last few seasons are fantastic, and there would certainly be a place to stop somewhere.
(Image Credit: PA)
“When a player is a little older and more into their career, you can handle it better, but with Trent, he’s young, he’s played football at the highest level and play every week.
“It’s a mental strain for a young player to deal with. He looks tired out mentally and physically, and his brain looks fried.
“Despite this, you still have to play in the game against Manchester United. This is the biggest game of the season in the Premier League so that players do not feel tired in the time up to it. If Klopp wants to relax him for his few games, you do it after the United game. ”
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