Ex-player Trent Alexander-Arnold

It’s on Stevie as a player for Liverpool.

Disengage with his other choices.

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TAA is the most unique and the least replaceable FB I can think of. Perhaps ever. He’s, for all intents and purposes, De Bruyne playing from right back.

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Yeah, the bitter retconning of TAA on here is hilarious. He was/is a generational talent at FB and as others have said redefined the position for us. 120 goal involvements in 7 seasons would be considered a good return for a top level CAM, even a forward would get some respect for that level of output, but to do it from the RB position is mind-blowing. TAA was a huge catalyst for our rise under Klopp, and integral to winning so many trophies over the last 6 seasons.

It’s okay to feel some level of betrayal or animosity here, but to diminish his accomplishments and talent level is crazy. He’s easily a top-10 all time LFC player for me, and no, he’s not “replaceable”, not by a long shot. I have high hopes for Frimpong and Bradley both, but they won’t have Trent’s output or range of passing, that much is for certain.

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And that’s not even counting the ones where he helped the other team :wink:

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Just for clarity that was a joke. TAA was/is a fantastic player and we were lucky to have him. I personally don’t like the way he has left but respect his right to.

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And under appreciated aspect of this is Trent was mostly accommodated by excellent top rank CBs. And I dont just mean his perceived defensive limitations, but the entire game plan that would accept him being high up the pitch a lot and need a lot of covering from his CBs. At Real right now they are playing Asencio and Hujisen two young players whose career experience is less than Virgil accumulates in a season. Maybe Militao and Rudiger is a different proposition, but relying Militao and his athleticism to cover for this when he’s had two season ending injuries over the course about 10 games played is an irresponsible expectation.

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Good point.

The more I think of it.. Relatively inexperienced Xabi with Trent whos enormous talent requires a bit formation tuning to accommodate his strengths.. hmm.. maybe switching to 3-4-3…

This could be interesting…

..if anyone cares. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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What are you up to when you are not here (which is pretty much a most of the time)?

:thinking:

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I can see him having the right protection at Real, looking at individuals.

Rudiger/Militao at RCB, Huijsen will most probably become a starter straight away at LCB. Asencio is essentially 4th option.

Valverde as the RCM in a “Hendo role”, Tchouameni for now viewed as a first choise single pivot #6, Rodrygo in front of him.

How it will all look though, remains to be seen. But it’s far from not having the right individuals around his zone that won’t make him well protected. They have it. And some of them the best in business doing exactly that.

EDIT: sorry, I’m quite busy, multitasking (wanking and drinking whiskey at the same time), uuuuf, hard work bro.

Seriously.. I like it here, it’s nicely warm and fuzzy. I even laugh occasionally.

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So far it seems like and it was reported that he will go with 4 at the back.

In their first game, it was a 4-3-3 shape.

I am bitter about the way he handled his departure, that’s for sure, but I’m not taking anything away from his sublime talent or his accomplishments. I had also directed a fair bit of criticism his way for the way he defended long before it became obvious he’d leave for Real Madrid, which is something I have to point out.

To compare him to Stevie, though… Him or any other Liverpool player I’ve seen, for that matter, which every one in the last 25 years. I’d say that only Salah can be compared to him due to his sheer numbers, not the ability to play everything, everywhere and take the game by the scruff of the neck - all while playing in an inferior team to the one Klopp assembled.

I can’t be bothered to watch Real Madrid games unless they are playing against Liverpool but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find any interest in the tactical setup Alonso would devise to make the most out of him. Klopp was excellent at making the most out of strengths of his players while covering for their weaknesses - Slot seems more ruthless in that regard (though I’m certain he would have liked to keep TAA).

That said, TAA can score and assist from set-pieces and crosses until he finds his feet there, so all will be well.

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We’ll see. I think Trent certainly has the talent to play and succeed at Real, but it’s going to be very interesting to see how he holds up mentally when the boos start ringing out from their fans at every error - will he wilt under the pressure or thrive?

We’ll see.

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Trent is used to fans, media and social media idiots being too harsh on him after a bad game and tbh he usually showed up in the next match.

I know Real Madrid fans can be next level but maybe being booed by his own people last month was perfect preparation for that :sweat_smile:

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I don’t remember many (if any?) quality players who failed there because of boos here and there. That’s not to say that their goodbyes (not even) to the likes of Raul were embarrassing.

I think Trent has the personality and ambition to do well at that stage, plus, the whole Spanish football public might actually understand/respect a player like him even more than in England.

Providing he has the right approach of course, because I spoke recently about my doubts whether he’s physically able to do certain things as a full back. But there are different ways to use him and another team/league might be better for him.

How Real is portrayed among a portion of fans at times, you’d think that it’s hell and a place to avoid at all cost. But that’s just hatred or jealousy.

Yet most football people want to go there and still do. Real overall is attractive, let alone when they’re winning CL’s for fun, the Bernabeu gets renovated like it did, some of the world’s best players are there, etc. Before the whole lifestyle off the pitch.

So, yeah… something doesn’t make sense.

https://www.givemesport.com/1524409-14-real-madrid-legends-who-have-been-booed-and-jeered-by-their-own-fans-at-the-bernabeu/

I’m just a jealous hater, I guess. :roll_eyes:

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I’ve not questioned the fact that there are boos, but how often is that a problem with quality players. Both their willingness to go there and succeeding. I don’t see it.

I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility that a player who’s been brought up from the age of a child at one very supportive club who was most notably nurtured by a father-figure coach and feted by supporters struggles with life in a new country, new city at one of the biggest sporting fishbowls in world football, in front of fans known for getting on their own players’ backs if they aren’t performing, when he has notable weaknesses in his game that previous managers built around and is now in a place where that may not be the case.

But hey, what the fuck do I know, right?

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Gareth Bale ring a bell?

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The issues with Jude and Vini is not because the fans are toxic. It’s because the players are black. So Trent should be ok

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