Trent Alexander-Arnold has been praised for a string of strong defensive performances by former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell.
England international Alexander-Arnold was part of the Liverpool backline that kept another clean sheet in 2-0 victory against Brighton yesterday - the Reds' third straight Premier League shut-out.
Over his young but significant career, pundits have often highlighted the 23-year-old for having defensive frailties, but former Arsenal and Everton centre-forward Campbell is having none of it.
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Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It is a bit of a myth if you ask me. He can defend and we’ve seen that in recent weeks.
“Make no mistake about it, the best thing about Trent is his offence. When he shows his defensive qualities it is good to see. He is so much more gifted going forward and Liverpool dominate games so you see more of him in an attacking sense.
“Look, I understand people questioning his defensive qualities because he is not a great defender but he is a decent defender. He doesn’t need to be a great defender most of the time though.
“The fact that he has recently put in really strong defensive performances is great for Liverpool. They’ve needed him against West Ham and Inter Milan in particular.”
Alexander-Arnold's attacking qualities are certainly not in question. The right-back has delivered an astonishing 17 goal assists in 34 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season.
The Reds will face Campbell's former club Arsenal on Wednesday evening, when they will effectively play their game in hand on Manchester City.
Should Pep Guardiola's side lose at Crystal Palace on Monday evening, victory against the Gunners would send Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League.
