Danny Murphy couldn’t speak highly enough of Trent Alexander-Arnold after his terrific display during Liverpool’s victory over Sheffield United last night, speaking on Match Of The Day.
Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a much-needed 2-0 win at Bramall Lane after losing a shocking four Premier League games in a row.
Terrific from Trent
Those three points will have tasted even sweeter to Liverpool fans as two of their home-grown academy talents produced stand-out performances.
Curtis Jones rightly took plenty of plaudits for his goalscoring display.
But it was fellow Scouser Alexander-Arnold who merited Murphy’s praise.
“I actually think the other Scouse young superstar, Trent, was back to his best today,” said the former Liverpool midfielder.
“When you set your standards really high, winning things, playing well, winning games and getting assists every week, you’re going to be up there to be criticised.”
Alexander-Arnold has come under fire for some of his performances this season. But Murphy thinks the defender is back on track.
He said: “He’s bounced back well. I think his performance in the Merseyside derby was really good. He looked back to his best.
“Today as well, the crossing, the passing. Everything we are used to seeing. Defensively, he didn’t have too much to do but what he did have to do he did well.
“So comfortable on the ball, always a goal threat. He looked nice and sharp. His fitness levels were good.
“I love the way he always finds the right pass in the final third. Every time he gets time and space on the ball, he can hurt you.”
Alexander-Arnold back in the game
The statistics seem to back up Murphy’s view that Alexander-Arnold has rediscovered his magic.
The 22-year-old played three key passes, according to WhoScored.com, more than anyone on the field. He also attempted four shots and managed five accurate long balls.
The attacking ability of Alexander-Arnold has never been in doubt but the defensive side to his game has increasingly come under scrutiny.
However, the England man managed two tackles and interceptions in Sheffield last night, highlighting he can easily do the dirty work.
Tough times for Trent
It hasn’t been an easy season for anyone wearing a Liverpool jersey, with Alexander-Arnold one of many under fire.
For such a young man, the bar was set high as he was hailed one of Europe’s best full-backs following Liverpool’s Champions League victory in 2019.
That mantel carried into the title-winning campaign, where he was named PFA Young Player Of The Year.
Liverpool fans will hope Alexander-Arnold continues his upward curve when they host a revitalised Chelsea on Thursday (8.15pm).
- ‘Could be an exceptional player’: Adams impressed by progress of Arsenal’s 25-year-old ace
- BBC pundit thinks one Spurs player would’ve been frustrated after Burnley win
- MOTD pundits dazzled by Liverpool ‘superstar’ who was the best player on the pitch last night
- Tony Cascarino names two Arsenal players who had a ‘terrific game’ yesterday
- Twitter users call to replace March with Feral February 2.0
