Trent Alexander-Arnold came through the first Premier League game of the season showing great composure and skill. He is a star on the rise.
Feeling deflated, Reds? I know I am after a very disappointing first season performance against Watford. Despite our fantastic strike force performing as hot as ever, the ongoing defensive woes continue.
I thought this would be as a massive win – a recreation of the 6-1 beauty from last season. Liverpool failed to wheel away with all three points though and now take their defensive baggage back to Merseyside with them.
Woes against Watford
The game got underway and slowly dismantled like a cheap canvas tent. Liverpool conceded their first goal of the season in just eight minutes into the start of their campaign. Extremely poor and desperate defending from Dejan Lovren led to a corner kick for Watford. Surprise, surprise, a goal quickly followed.
Liverpool’s celebrity status of being calamitous at defending set pieces has become widely noticed by other clubs. Preparing for a set piece is dangerous news in itself for the defending team; but with the Reds’ track record of scrambling in the box, it’s easier than ever to net a quick goal.
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A mixed defense
Joel Matip did show some leadership on the pitch at Vicarage Road; putting in the work and scolding the team for allowing the home side to score. However his overall performance wasn’t his best. Both Matip and Lovren did a poor job as our center back; leaving a lot of pressure for Simon Mignolet to deal with.
The holding midfielders went missing for a huge chunk of the game. Captain Jordan Henderson had a very quiet spell and Wijnaldum is due a bunch of criticism. Fans are reeling from his poor performance and the questionable header that led to the final Watford goal.
Two players who did impress me (that weren’t included in the forward three) were Alberto Moreno and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite Moreno’s temperamental performances, the Watford clash wasn’t one of them. He made some crucial clearances and for once, was exactly where he should have been.
Across the flanks to his right was youngster Trent Alex. The 18-year-old was a vital asset to the team’s result. Despite a 3-3 draw and only one point in the bag, TAA’s contribution stopped the afternoon being a lot worse.
Alexander-Arnold’s bright future
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impact on the club has been extremely promising. With senior player Nathaniel Clyne out with a hamstring injury, the young Scouser has been forced to step up to the plate.
The lad has had a bright preseason, coming into the team with maturity and the urge to learn. His forward pressing is a little keen for a defender but that just shows his eagerness to put his team in front. As a born and bred Merseyside boy, the honor must be immense to pull on that Number 66 shirt and play with his fellow Redmen. The passion and appreciation of a Scouser for his native club is something no money can buy.
First choice RB
Alexander-Arnold was easily one of the best players on the pitch against Watford. That’s including the skipper and more experienced defenders than himself. He was lively and sharp and teamed up with Moreno to fizzle out building attacks.
Fans have described the right-back as ‘comfortable’, ‘strong’ and ‘great defensively’. He’s certainly making a positive impact among the Kopites.
Jurgen Klopp’s decision to sub him off during injury time for Joe Gomez is another hot talking point. Naturally nobody agrees with the tactic. Alexander-Arnold’s role on the pitch wasn’t an area of concern at all.
He earned a solid 5/10 rating from social media on his performance but I think he deserves more credit for the shift he put in. Liverpool’s defense fell to pieces but Alexander-Arnold kept his game face and pushed on.
The Liverpudlian’s talent and work ethic will soon see Nathaniel Clyne benched in favor of him. Clyne’s chapter with the club has been consistent but a little average. With the 18-year-old rising through the ranks and breathing down his neck, how long does he have before TAA takes over?
Next: Hoffenheim v Liverpool: Champions League first leg preview
I’d love to see more of the youngster in the starting XI and with the Hoffenheim play off game drawing nearer, the lad could get his first taste of Champion’s League play.