‘Excellent’ Liverpool Star Silenced his Critics in Victory Over Brighton | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Banishing the Mitoma Ghost with a Defensive Masterclass

In yesterday’s clash between Liverpool and Brighton, one standout moment defined the game—Trent Alexander-Arnold finally laid the Mitoma ghost to rest. For years gone by, fans and critics alike have watched as Kaoru Mitoma, the bright, agile Brighton winger, posed a constant threat down Liverpool’s right flank. Yet yesterday, Trent emerged as a defensive rock, effortlessly fending off Mitoma’s advances in a display that should silence his doubters and stamped his authority as one of the most formidable right-backs in the league.

Dominating the Stats Sheet: Trent’s Impeccable Numbers

Trent’s defensive stats from this game tell their own story. He racked up nine tackles won (the most by any player on the pitch) and won 12 duels—again, the highest in the match. This wasn’t just defensive diligence; it was dominance. Additionally, he contributed two interceptions and two clearances, showcasing a complete defensive package that has been underappreciated this season.

Photo: IMAGO

For a player who’s historically been questioned for his defensive abilities, these stats are a resounding answer to his critics. When it mattered most, Trent didn’t just hold his ground; he owned it. His ability to outmanoeuvre and neutralise Mitoma, a player known for his agility and unpredictability, was a testament to Trent’s growth and adaptability as a defender. His efforts were so effective that Brighton eventually substituted Mitoma, bringing on Adingra late in the game. This decision spoke volumes—Mitoma, who’s tormented so many defenders, had finally been subdued.

Breaking Down His Technique: Learning from the Best

In a fascinating interview with celebrity chef and Liverpool fan Simon Rimmer, Trent shared insights into how he’s fine-tuned his defensive approach under the watchful eye of Head Coach Arne Slot. As Rimmer recounts, Trent mentioned Slot’s attention to detail, quoting him directly:

“He’s got 50 clips of me in training, and he said, ‘This is a really good position – if you turn your body eight degrees to the right, you’ve got a better chance of making a strong tackle than the way you stand at the moment.’ Trent said, ‘I was just blown away; it was all positive.’ And he said, ‘Look, I get it. I completely get it.’”

This insight provides a glimpse into the meticulous tweaks Trent has adopted in his game, adjustments that are yielding results on the field. It’s clear that Slot’s advice has made an impact, as Trent’s positioning and timing in the Brighton game demonstrated a maturity and precision we’ve rarely seen in previous seasons. With the minor correction of turning “eight degrees to the right,” he’s evidently found a way to improve his tackling stance, giving him that split-second advantage. There’s been more than an eight degree improvement through this campaign, that much is clear.

Shutting Down the Doubters: A Season of Quiet Excellence

Despite his stellar numbers and defending this season, Trent’s performances have been met with reluctant praise from some corners. Pundits like Roy Keane and Gary Neville have often overlooked his defensive growth, perhaps unwilling to let go of past narratives. Yet, week after week, he’s delivered solid, dependable displays that are earning him respect from fans and teammates alike. Trent’s ability to shut down Mitoma was just the latest chapter in what’s shaping up to be a campaign marked by defensive excellence.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s time for these voices to acknowledge that Trent has evolved. While his offensive prowess remains a core part of Liverpool’s game plan, his defensive skills are now equally potent. Critics may hold onto their preconceptions, but the stats don’t lie—Trent Alexander-Arnold is should be heralded for defending as much as he is for being a creator. Which other right back can make that pass against Arsenal and do what he did yesterday, all in the space of six days.

Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum

Trent’s performance against Brighton wasn’t just a one-off; it was the culmination of a season’s worth of learning, adapting, and improving. With Liverpool pushing hard in the Premier League, having a reliable defensive asset in Trent only strengthens their case. His ability to keep threats like Mitoma quiet will be crucial as Liverpool faces tougher opposition, especially when each game’s outcome becomes increasingly pivotal in the title race.

The time has come to look past the stereotypes and recognise Trent Alexander-Arnold for what he truly is: a well-rounded, intelligent, and tenacious defender. His journey may have had its rocky moments, but now, he stands as one of the most complete right-backs in the league. We didn’t even mention the contract either.