London (DPA/States Perform)
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team’s player, has room to develop defensively, when asked about the player’s non-participation with the England national team.
England coach Gareth Southgate called up Arnold, 23, for the two matches against Italy and Germany in the European Nations League, but the player failed to participate in the two matches, as Reyes James played, the Chelsea player.
And while Arnold has shown many offensive capabilities in his career, making 45 assists in 167 matches for Liverpool in the Premier League, his defensive capabilities remain highly questionable.
Klopp feels that Arnold can be more powerful in defence, telling reporters before Liverpool’s match against Brighton: “I see him differently. People say he’s not a good defender. this is not true”.
“Arnold is a good defender, but he doesn’t always defend well,” he added. This is what we’re working on. He’s a young player at the age of 23, and of course there is still room for improvement.”
Klopp feels talks about Arnold’s role in the England national team are hurting their chances at the next World Cup, after former Aston Villa striker Gabi Agbonlahor said the defender must “retire” from international football for Southgate to leave.
“Now we can discuss the team’s options so that the World Cup begins,” Klopp added. It’s one of the reasons why you’re able to write huge stories about why England can’t prepare for the World Cup properly.”
“If you ask me for my frank opinion, it will create headlines,” he said. “This is clear. Do you want this? Maybe that helps Germany, but it doesn’t help England.”
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