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ESPN pundit says Jurgen Klopp protected Liverpool player who didn’t try hard enough at times
Jurgen Klopp is undoubtedly Liverpool’s most successful manager of the modern era and breathed new life into the club after taking over the reigns from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015.
The German called time on his Anfield career at the end of the 2023-24 campaign after nearly nine years, winning seven major honors including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Klopp’s ability to turn rough diamonds into superstars was on display throughout his Liverpool career as he built an all-conquering team.
One of his best player projects at the club was his role in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s development as the youngster rose through the ranks at the academy to become one of the best right-backs in the world.
And Nedum Onuoha believes Klopp’s style of play was tailored to mask his shortcomings as debates continue to rage on about his ability to defend.
Nedum Onuoha makes interesting claim on Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold has been fantastic for Liverpool and recently spoke glowingly about Arne Slot and his philosophy.
However, Onuoha believes the 25-year-old should be thankful to Klopp for his development over the years as the German’s brand of football only brought the best out of his strengths.
“Some of the stuff across the years, there’s a technical element, but a lot of it is just effort,” Onuoha said on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel.
“I think there have been times when you see him, and he doesn’t really try his best to try and defend, and in some ways Klopp, for the years that he had him, it seems like maybe he protected him.”
Darren Bent also has his say on the matter as he claimed that Alexander-Arnold is a much better defender than what he gets credit for.
Will Alexander-Arnold stay at Liverpool?
Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Alexander-Arnold as his current deal at Liverpool runs out next summer.
However, the Reds are likely to hold their ground as it would be catastrophic to lose a player of his calibre, let alone for free.
Alexander-Arnold has previously spoken of his desire to captain Liverpool and that is likely to happen in the coming years if he puts pen to paper on a new deal.
His love for the club is there for everyone to see, but the 25-year-old is likely to see how Liverpool develop under Slot before making a decision on his future.