Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has come to Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rescue as the latter faced heavy criticism in his role as a midfielder. Alexander-Arnold mainly features as a full back for Liverpool. However, the defender is well and truly capable of employing himself in the midfield.
England were one of the favorites to lift the trophy heading into EURO 2024. Especially, considering the Three Lions’ road to final in the EURO 2020. However, England under Gareth Southgate have once again failed to live up to the expectations.
Despite having some of the world’s best players and the most valuable squad in the competition, they simply haven’t been great to watch. Moreover, key players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Trent-Alexander Arnold haven’t really made a real mark on the competition so far.
The Three Lions narrowly edged past Serbia in their opening game with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Jude Bellingham. Subsequently, they would draw against Denmark scoring a goal each. Many were expecting England to dominate the group they were put in. However, that simply hasn’t been the case so far.
The Three Lions are currently at the top of their group. Although, their qualification is not a guarantee in any way. Consequently, they would have to at least secure a draw against Slovenia in the final group stage game.
Regardless, England haven’t been convincing enough so far and that has to change if they plan to go deep into the tournament.
Declan Rice left in frustration after Liverpool player criticized!
England fans began to demand employing Trent-Alexander Arnold as a midfielder. Especially, due to his success in the position at Anfield. However, the same fans are now backlashing and calling for the 25-year old to be pulled back.
โI will tell you now โ Trent can play in midfield. I have seen it at England, I have seen it for Liverpool. Heโs unbelievable.โ
Moreover, Declan Rice isn’t the only one to come to the rescue of the 25-year old Liverpool player. Legendary Brazil and AC Milan full back Cafu also spoke highly about Trent-Alexander Arnold. Cafu went on to say:
โI donโt understand why he receives criticism. Heโs the full package.”
How crucial is Alexander-Arnold for England?
Alexander Arnold has enjoyed a lot of success at Anfield on individual and team level. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s first league title of the Premier League era in 2020. Moreover, he was an integral part of Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League win against Tottenham Hotspur.
He is often considered as one of the best right-backs of this generation. Additionally, he still has his best years ahead of him. Alexander Arnold has been a part of the IFFHS Men’s World Team twice and the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2020.
The full back went on to form a deadly duo on the flank alongside Andrew Robertson. The 25-year old currently holds the record for most assists by a defender in the Premier League with 58! Robertson is in 2nd place with just 1 behind him.
He has already made 310 appearances for the Reds so far scoring 19 goals. Furthermore, he has already won 27 national caps for the Three Lions. Alexander-Arnold has been praised many-a-times due to his attacking contributions. However, he has also been subject to criticism due to his defensive incapabilities.
Undoubtedly, he remains a quality player for any squad he plays. Additionally, his set-piece taking abilities makes him more important to any squad.
He is currently averaging the creation of 2.5 chances per game which is the highest for England since 2023. Moreover, Real Madrid also regard Alexander-Arnold and want him in their lineup. If England are to go all the way through, Alexander-Arnold will be a key player for them.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
