Gary Lineker claims it is a "nonsensical myth" that Trent Alexander-Arnold can't defend as debate continues following his England snub.
The Liverpool right-back was named in the most recent Three Lions squad, but failed to play in either of their recent outings and was left out of the squad all together for the game with Germany. Alexander-Arnold has been a key cog at Liverpool for several years with his influence in the final third a crucial weapon.
His deficiencies defensively have been highlighted as an issue, with some suggesting that is behind his England snub as the likes of Kyle Walker and Reece James sit above him in the pecking order. At Liverpool Alexander-Arnold is freed up from some of his defensive duties - a luxury he is not afforded at England.
Despite the differing opinions, Lineker cannot get on board with the idea that Alexander-Arnold is a weakness defensively. He said on social media: "Absolutely spot on in exposing the nonsensical myth that @TrentAA is a defensive liability."
Klopp's defence
The Liverpool right-back has been a regular source of assists since becoming a regular at Anfield. The arrival of Virgil van Dijk and the defensive insurance he's provided has allowed Alexander-Arnold to thrive in the final third. Klopp has detailed his frustration that, rather than focusing on his player's strengths, his flaws are magnified.
He claimed: "All the experts sitting there, 'In this situation you see it's a weakness.' Honestly, I just don't get it, I just don't get that part of it – that we just accept that a world-class talent gets judged by the one thing he's not as world-class as in other things.
"If he would not be a good defender, he wouldn't play. I cannot just tell him, 'You get the ball, wait there.' In other games you have these specialists probably, 'If you have the ball, give it to Trent, he will do something special.' No, he's involved in everything and that's absolutely fine.
"He's doing well. But again, it's no criticism on anybody. We all have our different ideas, different match plans, different ways to play. And if that doesn't fit to England, then that's it. He cannot change it. How I said, the player can only offer what he can offer."
Southgate's snub
England are blessed in the right-back area with Kieran Trippier another favourite of Southgate's. He, Walker and James all appear to be favoured over Alexander-Arnold, who has been in and out of the England picture.
The decision to overlook him earlier this week has sparked debate as to whether he'll be part of the World Cup squad with the England boss admitting there are players in front of Alexander-Arnold in the race to be a starter.
He told the Telegraph: “The other night [in Italy], we didn’t need the left-back cover, but against Germany we did because of the way we went with the team so we needed Chilly [Ben Chilwell] on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all-round game is ahead [of Trent]."
Southgate did reject suggestions that the Liverpool star would not be going to Qatar however, stating: "We know Trent is a very, very good footballer and that’s why we’ve picked him in the squad.”
