Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images for Premier League

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueLiverpool

Tim Sherwood says Liverpool player does not like heading the ball

Will Butcher

Wed 29 September 2021 8:45, UK

that Trent Alexander-Arnold does not like heading the ball, during analysis in the draw at Brentford.

Liverpool have since beaten Porto 5-1 in Portugal, with Alexander-Arnold missing. Against Brentford, the right-back played the entire 90 minutes.

Brentford targeted the England man. Picking the ball up on the left flank, Brentford’s attackers looked for a deep cross, exposing Alexander-Arnold.

Vitaly Janelt scored Brentford’s second from that tactic, before the equaliser from Yoane Wissa saw Alexander-Arnold out-muscled by Ivan Toney.

Analysing Liverpool’s 3-3 draw from Saturday, Sherwood said he does not believe Alexander-Arnold wants to head the ball – ducking out of the way.

“The issue is Trent. They’re looking to isolate him, he doesn’t want to defend from wide areas. Trent has to head the ball,”

“He’s not happy getting back in, he wants to get forward. He doesn’t want to win a header, he doesn’t like heading the ball.

“That’s why there are players ahead of him in the England set-up. He needs to improve, or it is going to hold him back.”

Sherwood on Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool star must improve

There is no doubting his ability on the ball. Arguably, he is one of England’s best ball-striker whether that be a crossfield pass, or a cross into the box.

His engine is excellent, up and down the right with ease. But there is an attacking mindset in Alexander-Arnold, despite being a defender.

That needs to improve. As Sherwood says, if he wants to become an England regular – the £180,000-a-week () ace need to be better.

While becoming like Kieran Trippier might see Alexander-Arnold go too much the other way, he needs to find more of a balance.

A bit more of a focus on the defensive side of the game – more courage, bravery and positional sense. Then, he will be first choice for England.