Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he has welcomed criticism from manager Arne Slot to become a feared defender in Europe.
The 25-year-old has earned a reputation for his attacking prowess but has also struggled with his defensive play. However, after Liverpool's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday, he said he wants Slot to help him change that.
“I told him [Slot] “I'd like to be the defender that nobody wants to face in Europe,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“We agreed that he would be tough on me,” he added. “If ever an attacker gets the better of me, he will say it in meetings, and in individual meetings, and he will say that can't happen. We analyse every game together and he highlights where he wants me to improve. Even after the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going over what I could have done better and also the good parts.
“It's really rewarding to have a coach who helps me, guides me and teaches me to be a better player. I'm a person who wants to learn, who wants to be the best and who strives to be the best of all time.”
Alexander-Arnold criticised the perception that he is poor at defending, although he admitted it can be difficult to dispel.
“I think that perception was perhaps harsh, if I'm honest,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It was a big perception and it was hard to ignore it with just a good defensive game. But when you put it all together… we've had four clean sheets out of five.” [in the league]And that is exceptional from a defensive line.
“Defenses win championships, that's the old saying, and being part of that defence means I have a responsibility to make sure my winger doesn't get caught up in the play. I set goals for each game, like how many times he dribbles past me, how many times he crosses to me, how many times he shoots. Then I look back.”
Alexander-Arnold recorded his first assist of the season against Bournemouth, with the victory taking the team to second place in the Premier League, just one point behind Manchester City.
