Pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer couldn't agree on Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities for Liverpool.
The 23-year-old is regarded by many as one of the best attacking fullbacks on the continent, yet he still draws unwarranted criticism and his defensive capabilities questioned. Shearer says that the young defender has an 'issue' with spotting danger.
He told BBC Sport before the match: "He’s an unbelievable footballer. I would have loved to been in a team with him. The slight issue he has is spotting the danger the second before it happens. That’s why he hasn’t played for England, as much as he should do."
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Lineker, though, was quick to defend Alexander-Arnold and insists what he provides going forward far outweighs any slight lapse going the other way.
The former England international said: "Jurgen Klopp said he would knock down anyone that slightly doubts Trent's defensive abilities. Surely the assets of him going forward and amount of goals he creates is much more important the occasion error defensively."
Ex-Red Danny Murphy also came to Alexander-Arnold's defence and says his style of play is crucial to the way the entire team play.
Murphy added: "It’s risk and reward. He plays this way because it means the whole team can be higher as a collective. You are occasionally going to be caught out as it only takes one player to switch off. Last week, City exploited that space behind the Liverpool defence more than anyone all season."
Alexander-Arnold already has over 60 assists for Liverpool in all competitions following his breakthrough to the first team, with 12 goals to his name.
