Reece James has leapt to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, insisting those who criticise the defensive ability of the Liverpool full-back 'don't really know the game'.
While there is no doubting his attacking prowess, Alexander-Arnold is often maligned for his positioning at the other end of the pitch. The Reds' Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid was one example of this, with pundits declaring the right-back at fault for Vinicius Jr's winning goal.
Although Liverpool supporters and Jurgen Klopp require no convincing the 23-year-old is a world-class talent who is at the peak of his powers, the same can't be said on the international stage. The West Derby-born defender has struggled to become a regular for England, with Gareth Southgate preferring James, of Chelsea, and Kyle Walker, of Manchester City.
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Alexander-Arnold got the nod over James in a recent UEFA Nations League defeat to Hungary, although was replaced by the Chelsea star in the 62d minute of the match. Less than four minutes later, however, James conceded a penalty that the hosts converted to win the match.
Fully aware Alexander-Arnold is often unfairly singled out, James has admitted he is far from being a perfect player himself.
"I make mistakes as well. I gave away a penalty against Hungary so we are both still learning our trade," he said. "Liverpool have 95% of the ball and he defends less than I have to. People have a lot of stuff to say and don't really know the game. Trent is a great player."
James will have hopes of being Southgate's go-to option at this year's World Cup despite his respect for Liverpool's local hero and has insisted he will do everything in his power to be starting matches in Qatar.
He said: "I'll try everything I can [to be first choice]. Only my performances will be able to prove what I can bring. In these games and building into next season I'll hopefully be able to show that I'm ready to play every game."
Unable to fit all of his right-back options into one starting XI, Southgate has tried utilising Alexander-Arnold in midfield at times. This resulted in criticism from Jurgen Klopp, who could not comprehend why he was being played out of position, although the Three Lions' boss recently defended his handling of the Reds' full-back.
Speaking in a press conference, Southgate said: “Trent’s a fantastic player, I don’t think anybody has ever heard me say differently. We could only really play him in one game this camp. He pulled out in March. He wasn’t fit for the Euros. Because he’s a great footballer, I tried him in midfield - there was some validity in looking at that.
"The way Liverpool play gets the best out of him and that’s to do with the pressing, it’s to do with the way they defend. They get him into those forward areas - that is what we tried to do with him from the wing-back position [against Hungary].
“But I have three amazing right backs. Kyle Walker is one of the best in the world, so is Reece James and so is Trent, they’re different profiles.
“So I’m always going to have those situations where people disagree with the selection. That noise over the last two, three years does seem to have been extremely loud, and I’ve had to ride that and get on with it. That’s what I’ve got to deal with. I’m sure the manager of Brazil has the same. I know the manager of France does, and he has won more than I have. So that’s the landscape."
