"Really poor when he has to defend" - Former Chelsea man on Alexander-Arnold

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has criticised Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Scouser was not at his best defensively against Fulham at Craven Cottage last Saturday.

Forward Aleksandar Mitrovic was too strong for Alexander-Arnold during the first half, which resulted in Fulham taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

Leboeuf had the following to say about the incident.

As quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, he told ESPN: “I think we have to make a statement. Trent Alexander-Arnold is absolutely fantastic when he has the ball and he’s really poor when he has to defend. That’s what it is and it’s no offence to say that.

“In this matter it was very easy, he just had to make Mitrovic break a little bit, to delay his run and he would never have gotten to the ball. He knows Mitrovic is behind him and put his body downwards to allow the header.

“That's crazy, it makes no sense to me. Maybe he's the only one who can explain what he wanted to do in that matter.”

The Premier League fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.

Anfield Watch Verdict

Alexander-Arnold could have been stronger when Mitrovic came climbing over the top of him to give Fulham the lead.

But, that particular moment is in the past now. Alexander-Arnold's strength is definitely in attack.

The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and registered 62 assists in 228 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.

However, that does not mean Alexander-Arnold can't improve defensively. For the youngster to take his game to another level, he has to do exactly that.

Alexander-Arnold is a determined individual. So, we are confident that over time, he will find a solid balance between attack and defence.