Trent Alexander-Arnold might be struggling for form at Liverpool this season, but Michah Richards is confident his quality will begin to prevail soon.
Richards was speaking to the Daily Mail off the back of Alexander-Arnold’s latest inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
He is confident that the Reds' right-back will prove to be a crucial player for Gareth Southgate's side at the World Cup in Qatar.
Advert
“I’ve always believed Trent [Alexander-Arnold] would be an England player for 10 years and more” Richards revealed.
“He’s got outstanding ability and he sees the game differently to other right backs.
“A fully focussed Trent playing at the peak of his abilities would be an outstanding weapon for England in the coming months.”
Alexander-Arnold’s talent is undeniable, as Richards illustrates, but he is a player who England need to pick up form before the tournament in Qatar.
Advert
If he doesn’t, he’s unlikely to feature particularly regularly. He hasn’t been a regular starter for England under Gareth Southgate and some question his aptitude to international football.
Questions over his defensive abilities have only grown more pertinent this season, with the Englishman failing to offer requisite solidity at the back on a number of occasions this term already.
And at an international tournament, when it’s so important to have a rigid defence, teams cannot afford to have a defensive liability at right-back.
Advert
From a Liverpool perspective, they also need Alexander-Arnold to pick up form as soon as possible.
Discounting the goals from the 9-0 victory over Bournemouth a few weeks ago, Liverpool have hit the back of the net just 6 times this season.
Creativity is a problem at Anfield. Alexander-Arnold, who was Jurgen Klopp’s most creative player last term in the league, assisting on 12 occasions, is yet to register an assist this season.
Richards is right. Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool and England’s most talented players. But both at a domestic and an international level, he needs to start offering more.
Advert
Topics: Micah Richards, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool