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‘He’s always there, he defends well’: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp fires back at Gary Neville’s criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the pundit suggested Gareth Southgate could NOT trust the fullback defensively for England
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hit back at criticism from Gary Neville over the defensive performance of his right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The former Manchester United defender recently claimed that England boss Gareth Southgate cannot trust Alexander-Arnold as it reaches the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Alexander-Arnold has since been named in the Three Lions 26-man roster along with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier as right-back options with questions about whether or not to be picked.
Jurgen Klopp hits back at Gary Neville’s criticism of defender Trent Alexander-Arnold
The 24-year-old has been named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup
The 24-year-old missed Euro 2020 through injury and there were fears he would miss again given his performances so far this season.
An injury to Chelsea right-back Reece James could have helped him, but despite his selection, Klopp wanted to fire back at Neville’s comments that his right-back was unable to defend.
The German was keen to say that Alexander-Arnold has played in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals against elite players.
The German was eager to defend his right-back Alexander-Arnold for his defensive displays
“I heard Gary Neville said something (about Trent). But he’s 24 now and has won quite a few finals, important games where you have to defend against world-class players,” Klopp told media at his pre-Southampton press conference.
“He was always there and defended well. I don’t know why we are having this discussion.
“Trent is very calm and he plays the football he plays and tries to improve.”
The German’s comments are in response to TV pundit Neville’s claims that Southgate will not be sure he can rely on Alexander-Arnold.
Klopp’s comments were in response to Neville claiming Southgate cannot trust Alexander-Arnold
“It’s a very difficult one because his genius is out of this world in the future,” Neville previously told Sky Sports.
How will England win or lose at the World Cup? It comes down to one moment, and right now I can’t see how Gareth can play a knockout match at the World Cup with Trent.
“I want this player to be the best right-back of all time, but today it seemed like he could have cost Liverpool.
“I think he will give away a penalty at the World Cup. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout match and that could influence his decision whether he goes or not.”
Liverpool will face Southampton in their last Premier League game on Saturday before heading into the World Cup break.