Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wonderful display against Arsenal is further proof that Gareth Southgate was wrong when he left him from his latest England squad.
Alexander-Arnold has fought for Liverpool this season and has failed to deliver the kind of performances that have seen him emerge as one of the best right-backs in world football in the last two seasons. But despite his poor form, it still came as a surprise when Southgate left him out of the squad for the March World Cup qualifiers.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Chelsea’s Reece James were elected in his place and showed extraordinary strength on the right back, but Klopp was appalled by the decision to leave him out.
Let us appreciate this cross from Alexander-Arnold. ? pic.twitter.com/osbhTGWwRJ
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) April 4, 2021
He said at the time: “If Trent Alexander-Arnold is not in the squad, England must have an extremely good squad. I was surprised when he did not receive the call. I respect the decision, of course. But I did not understand.
“I respect that Gareth makes his own decisions, of course, but I still did not understand it because Trent Alexander-Arnold was at least the last two seasons, let me say the season before and the season before that, stand out right-back in world football. “
The break seems to have served the 22-year-old well, as he came up with one of his best shows for the season on Saturday. Liverpool swept Arsenal aside at the Emirates and he helped Diogo Jota’s opener with a signature cross.
Unreal @TrentAA cross? Fantastic @ DiogoJota18 headline ⚽️
A memorable opener tonight? pic.twitter.com/Rzo8ramr1c
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 3, 2021
Klopp was obviously happy with his return to form, but that did not stop him from taking another farewell shot against Southgate, who he believes was “wrong” to stumble the youngster. He told Sky Sports: “We scored these wonderful goals and Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his class again.
“I do not want to make a new discussion about Trent or anything like that. I said it was Gareth’s decision [to leave him out]. He is blessed with the choice he has in that position, especially but Trent is in good shape.
“If someone says he’s not, I have to say he’s wrong, that’s all. I’m not responsible for his decision.”
