"Stop" Arnold, Joe Gomez can't attack, can't defend
In the match early this morning, not only directly assisting 2 goals, but T. Alexander-Arnold's contributions helped Liverpool easily deploy their strong playing style. The Reds' ability to attack the two ends has become more balanced with the appearance of a young English defender.
Previously, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, Joe Gomez was introduced to replace Arnold at right-back and he was rated 6.1 points by Whoscored, Liverpool's lowest in defence.
Liverpool still have targets in both competitions, the European Cup C1 and the Premier League. That forced coach Jurgen Klopp to make calculations in the division of the force. However, up to now, it can be seen that Klopp's choice of Gomez to play on the right wing instead of Arnold in the match against Barca was an unreasonable decision.
The German coach explained that he chose Joe Gomez simply because he was full-hearted and this was a normal rotation decision. Klopp may also hope that Gomez's defensive ability will limit the range of Jordi Alba and Coutinho.
However, all those calculations have failed. Gomez was too inexperienced and could not do anything when the Spanish defender passed to Suarez to score the opening goal. Not only that, in the match, the English defender did not make any significant contributions on the attack front.
T. Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool's number 1 right-back
At the moment, "Red Brigade" fans are more confident than ever in the appearance of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the return match. The 1998-born defender is having an excellent season with Liverpool. He and Robertson form a wing that helps the port city team fly high in the rankings and are the counterweight in the championship race with Man City.
The two passes against Newcastle helped Arnold increase his Premier League total to 11. Thereby, he compared his achievements with his teammate on the opposite wing Robertson.
This is a record in the Premier League, Liverpool became the first team with 2 full-backs to own more than 10 assists in a season.
Not only contributing in terms of numbers, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also Mohamed Salah's " stiff" on the right wing. With the 20-year-old defender on the pitch, Salah has another teammate to coordinate.
Just looking at the lack of cohesion between Salah and Gomez in the match against Barcelona can clearly see the importance of Arnold to Liverpool at the present time.
The young man who grew up from Liverpool's training center helped the "The Kop" play a lot more diverse. Without him, Salah has lost somewhat dangerously. Liverpool will have a hard time getting on the right wing because Gomez's attacking skills are very limited.
At that time, the "Red Brigade" had to focus more on the left wing to rely on the coordination between Mane and Robertson. This made Liverpool's playing style easily "captured" by Barcelona and as a result result, they suffered an unscored 3-goal loss in the Champions League semi-finals.
Without an away goal, Liverpool will find it difficult to "turn the tables" against Barca in the second leg. However, this season, the Champions League has had many unimaginable matches and the return match at Anfield could be such a match.
Especially when "The Kop" have home ground as a fulcrum and a strong "wing" ready to help them fly high.
