"Gets all the criticism" - Owen Hargreaves on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Former Manchester United player Owen Hargreaves has defended Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds have been sloppy in defence so far this season. Liverpool have conceded 12 goals in eight Premier League fixtures.

Alexander-Arnold has copped more criticism than the other defenders. However, Hargreaves believes that the Scouser is being unfairly targeted.

“Jurgen Klopp, one thing he has to fix very quickly is conceding early goals,” he told MatchDay Extra on Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 9:50pm UK time).

“There are just fine margins – I know Trent (Alexander-Arnold) gets all the criticism. But everybody is responsible for that. I think he wants to play differently because he played another attacker, which is fine.

“You think about all the goals they are conceding. The soft goals. You are one down, you are two down, it’s all adding up and they are doing it pretty much every matchday.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Alexander-Arnold has struggled so far this season. The right-back hasn't been sniffing out the danger.

But, Hargreaves is spot on. Liverpool's poor defensive displays are not just a result of Alexander-Arnold's performances.

The midfield have offered the back four very little protection. Liverpool only conceded 26 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.

So, it has been frustrating to see a defensively sound team not perform to the level that they are capable of in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign.

Hopefully things turn around in the near future. Watching Liverpool at the moment is not easy, because we know that they are capable of so much more.