ROY KEANE SLAMS TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S DEFENSIVE ABILITIES
Former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, claiming that the right-back cannot be trusted defensively. Keane went as far as to say that the 25-year-old would struggle to play in holding midfield for England against top-level opponents.
As England prepares for their Euro 2024 campaign, the midfield selection has become a topic of debate. While Gareth Southgate is expected to include Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup, the question of who will join them remains unanswered. Some have suggested that Alexander-Arnold could be an option for a deeper midfield role, similar to what Kalvin Phillips has done in the past.
However, Keane vehemently disagrees with this idea, citing Alexander-Arnold’s defensive weaknesses as the main concern. Despite his attacking prowess, the former Manchester United legend believes that the Liverpool man would struggle against top nations and would be exposed defensively.
“You can’t play him in there against one of the top teams,” Keane stated on Stick to Football. “One or two of the group matches…but if you play Trent in there against one of the top nations, the defensive side of the game you’re talking about…he can’t defend! I’d still be worried even as a two [alongside Rice], against the really top teams, France or Germany in the knockout games. If you’re playing Trent in there defensively, he can’t defend, like…really bad.”
When it was suggested that Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion in midfield could compensate for his defensive shortcomings, Keane dismissed the idea. “F**king hell! You have to defend in midfield!” he exclaimed. “Defensively, he dangles his leg in, he’s not aggressive in defensive situations. On the ball lovely, absolutely lovely, but at that level, in the knockout games, if Trent’s in there and asked to do a defensive job for England against a really good team…he doesn’t smell danger. I get that he’s higher up the pitch and he’s got that security behind him, but if he plays in there…all the best.”
Keane’s comments have sparked a debate among football fans, with many agreeing that Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities should be a concern for England. As the Euro 2024 approaches, it remains to be seen how Gareth Southgate will address this issue and finalize his midfield lineup.
