Jurgen Klopp has insisted he would want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold if he was manager at any other club in the world, as he defended the right-back following his England snub.
Alexander-Arnold did not feature in England’s Nations League clash against Italy and was then dropped from the squad completely for the following match against Germany, the Three Lions’ last game before the World Cup.
It looks increasingly likely that the 23-year-old could miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar, with the England boss confirming Kieran Trippier was above Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order, while Kyle Walker and Reece James appear to be preferred to the pair of them.
The Liverpool full-back has not been able to get a consistent run in the England side under Southgate, who appears to feel the threat Alexander-Arnold brings in forward areas is not enough to make up for perceived defensive deficiencies.
There are no such problems for him at Liverpool, where he is a key part of Klopp’s side and one of the team’s key creative threats. The German has backed Alexander-Arnold, claiming he is a better defender than he he gets credit for.
“We are fine here because it’s completely different because I see him differently, it’s obvious,” Klopp said.
“There are stories out there all the time that talk about him and say he’s not a good defender, but that’s not true.
“He is a good defender. He doesn’t always defend good, that is true as well, but that is what we’re working on. He is a young player, he is 23.
“My point of view, it’s an easy pick. Whichever team I would coach in the moment, I would sign him because he is exceptional.
“Is he always exceptional? No.”
