Simran Joshi
England secured a 3-1 victory over Finland in their Nations League clash on Sunday, October 13, at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, with a stunning free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold among the highlights. Despite his goal, the Liverpool full-back faced sharp criticism from pundit Roy Keane, who questioned his defensive abilities. Keane’s remarks came after Alexander-Arnold, playing as a left-back for the first time, struggled defensively, though interim England coach Lee Carsley defended his decision to experiment with the versatile defender.
Roy Keane Criticizes Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Defensive Performance
Despite scoring a stunning freekick in England’s 3-1 victory over Finland, Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself in the crosshairs of Roy Keane’s harsh criticism. The Manchester United legend voiced his concerns about the Liverpool defender’s capabilities at the back, stating that his defensive output continues to be subpar. Keane specifically pointed out Alexander-Arnold’s lackluster performance in the game against Greece earlier, implying that his defensive instincts were far from convincing, particularly for a player of his experience.
Keane’s comments come despite Alexander-Arnold’s respectable overall contribution to the game. He won all three of his duels and was involved in four defensive actions, although he only managed to win one tackle. The criticism highlights the ongoing debate around the 26-year-old’s defensive frailties, a point Keane was not hesitant to emphasize, even as England secured an important win.
Lee Carsley Defends Tactical Use of Alexander-Arnold at Left-Back
England’s interim head coach Lee Carsley offered a contrasting perspective on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance, focusing on the Liverpool star’s versatility. Carsley’s decision to deploy the right-back on the left side of defense in the Nations League clash with Finland appeared to have paid off, as Alexander-Arnold not only contributed defensively but also added a spectacular goal to his name. Carsley acknowledged the challenges of the position change but emphasized that Alexander-Arnold’s technical abilities can be maximized in multiple roles.
Carsley went on to highlight that Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion in the squad is based on merit, stressing that it isn’t about forcing him into a position but rather allowing him to influence the game from different areas. After the success of this tactical experiment, it seems likely that Alexander-Arnold could be utilized in various positions going forward, providing a unique dimension to England’s lineup as they continue their Nations League campaign.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings