OPINION
There is no doubting that Liverpool have the quality to usurp Manchester City as Premier League champions this season, but Jurgen Klopp needs to consider whether one of them is up to scratch for their next game.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold had a blinder of a season last term, establishing himself as a fan favourite at Anfield with his pin point crosses.
However, in Monday night’s game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the 19-year-old looked a shadow of his former self – he played like someone who is inexperienced at a high level, passing the ball backwards instead going forward.
This performance has only gone to prove that the youngster is not yet the finished article, especially if he cannot maintain the high standard he produced last season.
Jurgen Klopp must wield the axe and drop him from the starting line-up for this Saturday’s match against Brighton, otherwise he will be left exposed against a side reinvigorated after their 3-2 win over Manchester United.
The Seagulls ran United’s defence ragged on Sunday with their powerful attacking play, and the same will happen to Alexander-Arnold if he is selected to feature in this Anfield fixture.
His inexperience is starting to seep through the cracks, and Klopp cannot afford to field a player who is a liability on the pitch, particularly if they want to keep up with City.
The World Cup star – who is on £12,000-a-week [Spotrac] – needs to improve rapidly, or he will face dropping out of the first team altogether if he continues this poor form.
There is no doubting the talent that the young ace has, but his age appears to have got the better of him so far this season – and he must be taught a hard lesson by being binned this Saturday.
In a few seasons’ time, Alexander-Arnold will be one of the best right-backs in the Premier League – but for now, there is still some progress to be made.
