Aldridge Backs Alexander-Arnold To Emerge A Better Player From Recent Criticism

Alexander-Arnold's defensive deficiencies have been greatly scrutinised this season although he remains a potent attacking outlet from right back.

His form at the back has coincided with an underwhelming start to the season for Liverpool while England manager Gareth Southgate did not field him in their recent Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.

The 24-year-old's spot in England's World Cup squad has also been a subject of debate although injuries to Kyle Walker and Reece James have once again enhanced his chances of getting picked on the plane to Qatar.

Aldridge however believes Alexander-Arnold will benefit from the increased scrutiny of his game in the long run.

"You're looking at one of the best full-backs in the world," Aldridge told Stats Perform. "Attacking wise, [he is] the best full-back in the world, without a doubt.

"He's a local lad. He's focused. He just needs to learn a bit about the defensive responsibilities he has.

"But he's got to be allowed to do what he does, and he's been let down by players in front of him and the midfield that don't cover for him as well this year, in my opinion.

"So, it's not entirely his fault, but he seems to be getting the finger pointed at him all the time, and what Gareth Southgate did to him, I don't think that did him any good at all.

"He's a young lad, this is the first time he's gone through anything like this. Everything's been rosy for him.

"And you've got to learn how to take the rough with the smooth in football, and he will come out of this, and he will be a better player for it."