It was explained on the Chris Moyles show that the Dutch head coach had been seriously picky over the fullback’s positioning, by degrees, during training sessions.
Meticulous, some might say. ‘Perfectionist’ in the words of Liverpool’s vice-captain.
Our Academy graduate is, without question, increasingly benefitting from his new head coach’s focus on the small details of his defending.
A moment 22 minutes into the action during Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen particularly demonstrated that point.
A wonderful exchange of passes by the visitors almost saw Victor Boniface released cleanly into Caoimhin Kelleher’s 18-yard box.
As the Echo‘s Paul Gorst noted on X (formerly Twitter), however, the opportunity came to nothing owing to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s superb tracking of the Werkself forward’s run.
The Nigerian international – who has scored eight goals across 13 games (in all competitions) – was instead banished to the advertising boards and the threat quelled
One can only wonder what thoughts were rushing through Roy Keane’s mind – if he’s keeping an eye on proceedings between Leverkusen and Liverpool – as Trent demonstrated his growing defensive prowess.
The Irishman made it clear that his opinion on our generational fullback’s defensive contributions remains unchanged. That is to say, he felt Arne Slot’s recent handling of the 26-year-old during our 2-1 win against Chelsea.
