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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen & Charlotte Coates & Charlotte Coates

'Ball watching' - Trent Alexander-Arnold defensive verdict shared after Ajax goal against Liverpool

Rio Ferdinand has criticised Trent Alexander-Arnold for "ball watching" as Ajax found a way in down Liverpool's right to then fire in an equaliser at Anfield.

Liverpool were given the lead in the first half by Mohamed Salah before Mohammed Kudus blasted in the Dutch champions equaliser at the Kop end.

Despite the criticism and the dip in concentration from the young right-back, the former Manchester United defender called Alexander-Arnold an "incredibly gifted footballer."

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Talking about half-time on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: " We spoke about being engaged defensively before the game. You can see the intentions of the Liverpool team, pressing in the wide area. They beat the press, composure from Ajax, good shape but the ball comes out but Trent’s got to see that run.

"From this point on, it’s all about Kudus, what a finish, no goalkeeper is saving that. Trent can see the wide player, he can see where he goes he just gets caught ball watching. Any mistake at the moment, they’re getting punished. It’s unfortunate for Liverpool but they’ve got to clean these things up."

Alexander-Arnold showed glimpses of his talent in an attacking sense and Ferdinand highlighted the impact he has on this Liverpool side.

" Right-backs are so important now and he’s such a ridiculously gifted footballer and this is what he gives you on the other end," added Ferdinand. "There’s not many others apart from Reece James that give you the output in the forward areas that he gives you.

"You want the balance in his game to come but listen this kids going to be a legend in the game in years to come but there’s areas that need tightening up and that’s part of being a footballer."

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