Ex-France and Chelsea centre-back Frank Lebeouf has lambasted one Liverpool player in particular, saying that he will never improve on his current form.
Lebeouf, 54, won the World Cup with France in 1998 and featured for the Blues for five years between 1996-2001, making 144 appearances.
His personal critique is directed at Liverpool’s right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn’t enjoyed the best start to the season.
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The 23-year-old has been widely slandered across social media for his defensive frailties, which have been targeted by many sides so far this term.
From losing a header to Aleksandar Mitrovic on Liverpool’s opening day draw with Fulham to being beaten twice by Leandro Trossard on Saturday in their draw with Brighton, he has been found wanting on several occasions.
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Despite his goal on Tuesday against Rangers, there are still many questions surrounding his true ability.
Lebeouf, speaking to ESPN, said that despite his clear quality he will never reach higher levels than he currently has.
“I really think that Trent Alexander-Arnold is a great player and he will never improve defensively, because he doesn’t have the basics.”
It is difficult to disagree based on this season, but Alexander-Arnold has been exceptional for the last five years in a Red shirt, winning every competition available to him.
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The system he is deployed in also plays a part, with Jurgen Klopp taking some of the flack for his poor performances this campaign. But, speaking to Liverpool’s official website, he seems determined to prove Lebeouf and other critics wrong.
“No matter what, I try to always think positively. People say things but for me it’s about going out there and performing for the team."
"That’s the only thing that matters – coming out here and getting the wins and helping the team win games. Yeah, it’s been a tough start to the season for me, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
He will hope to on the winning side once more when the Reds face Arsenal this Sunday.
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Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Chris Stonadge