'What took you so long?' - Liverpool legend SLAMS Alexander-Arnold over defending comments | OneFootball

Local boy Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to have moved into a higher gear at the start of this season.

The right-back has taken on his vice-captaincy with aplomb, representing the club well and registering two assists so far - not to mention being crucial to the playing style in the Arne Slot transition period.

Whilst his attacking output has always been his main strength, his actual defensive capabilities have become increasingly under fire over the past few years. As such, the player’s recent comments that he would like to become the defender in Europe that ‘no one wants to come up against’ should rightfully be welcomed.

Trent has said he talked to head coach Slot and they agreed any defensive mistakes would be called out in future team meetings, and that it is ‘really refreshing’ to have a manager who will help him to become a better player.

Read more: Trent HEAPS pressure on Liverpool

Reds legend scoffs at Trent comments

Speaking on the ESPN FC show, former Liverpool man Steve Nicol wasn’t exactly impressed.

"It’s taken you that long to figure this out?" Nicol said bemusedly. The Scot appreciated Trent’s willingness to learn but deeply questioned the timing of these comments.

He was joined by fellow pundit Ale Moreno, who called the comments a 'gigantic shot' at former manager and icon Jurgen Klopp. “Was that not happening before? Was he not being told what to do, when to do it and how to do it?... It’s a referendum on what [Klopp and his staff] were doing.”

Former Manchester City full-back Nedum Onuoha piled on the comments also. He questioned why Alexander-Arnold was making these comments now, saying that he 'doesn’t really try his best to try and defend' and that Klopp protected the reputation of the Red.

“Why this season? Why is this the focus now?”

Former Chelsea man Mario Melchiot was also on the panel. “I would have loved to have [Trent’s] ability… There is no footballer that I know that likes to highlight videos of mistakes in front of your coach… when that kicked off at the beginning of my career, I was sat in the dressing room every time after the game with Louis van Gaal calling, I did not like it!... I would love to know how he feels after he keeps doing it.”

Trent’s comments come amid speculation surrounding the last year of his contract - set to expire at the end of the season - and rumours of interest by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

They also bring into question the relationship between the right-back and former boss Klopp, who was seen to rely on Alexander-Arnold's attacking output whilst covering up any defensive frailties he may be perceived to have.

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