Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a magnificent display in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Arsenal, showing he's back to his very best.
The 22-year-old right-back has had a difficult fortnight after he was surprisingly left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for England's World Cup qualifiers. He's also struggled to find his best form as Liverpool experienced a spectacular mid-season dip and have suffered a series of centre-back injuries.
However against Arsenal on Saturday night, Alexander-Arnold gave a superb, action-packed display. He owned the right flank - and produced the crucial assist for Diogo Jota that broke the deadlock.
That pinpoint cross was met with a cathartic roar from Alexander-Arnold, as he finally found release after a fortnight spent training in Liverpool rather than pulling on the Three Lions shirt.
But it wasn't just that one moment - Alexander-Arnold was great throughout. He was constantly available for the ball and involved in Liverpool's attacking display.
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However the Liverpool academy product was also strong in defence and cut out several Arsenal passes forward, producing three interceptions to go with his prolific chance creation.
He was - alongside Jota, who scored twice in the 3-0 win - the best player on the pitch for Jurgen Klopp's inspired Reds.
Afterwards, Klopp wouldn't be drawn on the surprise choice of Southgate to leave Alexander-Arnold out of his squad post-match.
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However he admitted in an interview before Saturday evening's game that he "didn't understand" the choice to leave out a player widely viewed as one of the world's best in his position over the last few years.
"If Trent Alexander-Arnold is not in the squad then England must have an extremely good squad," said Klopp.
"I was surprised when he didn't get the call-up. I respect the decision, of course I do. But I didn't understand it.
"I am a manager myself; I make decisions every day, every weekend, every midweek about team selections and squad selections...
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"I respect that Gareth makes his own decisions, of course, but I didn't understand it anyway because Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the last two seasons at least, let me say the season before and the season before that, the stand out right-back in world football - that is the truth and at an unbelievable young age."
Alexander-Arnold's terrific all-round display at the Emirates certainly backed that up.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander Arnold, Premier League, England
