Jamie Carragher has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold's startling dip in form and suggested the young Liverpool right-back give his old friend Steven Gerrard a call.
Alexander-Arnold has come under heavy criticism for his recent performances, appearing more vulnerable in defence, losing the ball more often and not providing the assists that almost became his trademark in the final third.
The young full-back's rise at Anfield has been exceptional since his debut in 2016. Alexander-Arnold is now an England regular and has provided 39 assists in his 155 club appearances.
His tally of 13 assists last season was second only to Kevin De Bruyne and is the most ever in a Premier League campaign by a defender. However, this term he has managed just two assists in 17 league matches so far.
Carragher puts Alexander-Arnold's faltering form down to youth and a lack of confidence, and knows of one Liverpool legend who suffered similarly but bounced back.
'We too easily forget that Trent Alexander-Arnold is only 22,' Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.
'Trent could do worse than share a private call with Steven Gerrard.
'I remember well how Stevie overcame a slight dip after his first initial breakthrough into the first team, guided back to his best. It happens.'
Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool in 1998 with similar hype around his career, and after having a dip in form became a key cog in the side that won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup just three years later.
Rish_devil
500
Instead of asking Gerrard, go observe one of Ur teammate Robertson. He has been the most consistent performers in the EPL over the last 2 yrs. The main problem about TAA is he is thinking too much about attacking. But he often forgets he is a defender aswell. He needs to learn from Robertson coz many times TAA leaves their defenders hanging and doesn't track back. Meanwhile his opposite partner Andy supports attacking and comes back to defend immediately.
cozaekmnt
412
His problem is the absence of vvd who covers up for him to go front, now vvd is not around he has to seat back yet the absence is still felt badly. Vvd is really the pillar of Liverpool success so far