---
title: "Michael Thomas defends ‘amazing’ Trent Alexander-Arnold"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/michael-thomas-defends-amazing-trent-alexander-arnold/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-04-29T16:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-29T16:00:00Z"
---

# Michael Thomas defends ‘amazing’ Trent Alexander-Arnold

Former [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/29/virals-ozan-kabak-assessed-as-liverpool-weigh-up-permanent-transfer/) midfielder Michael Thomas has hailed current star [Trent Alexander-Arnold](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/21/virals-liverpool-fans-adore-trent-alexander-arnold-tweet/) as ‘amazing’ after the youngster came in for criticism earlier this season.

Despite being a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp’s side across a hugely [successful period](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53183857.amp), the marauding right-back has [suffered a dip in form](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liverpool-star-alexander-arnold-admits-his-form-has-dipped/1nkv94hvp9bc81vsqf2th69w6q) as have the Reds moreover.

Alexander-Arnold was [left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/trent-alexander-arnold-england-squad-20250945) for FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers in March, leading to questions over the 22-year-old’s form this campaign.

However, Thomas has told [Caught Offside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/04/29/liverpools-alexander-arnold-defended-by-michael-thomas/) that the West Derby-born sensation remains an elite performer.

> Trent is an amazing player! I was a bit in shock of the England snub, especially as if Southgate plays with wing-backs I can’t see who starts in front of him. Liverpool’s poor form may have had some impact on that decision but I think he dealt with that situation amicably and has put in some great performances since then.

Having broken his own [Premier League assist record](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/403093-trent-alexander-arnold-breaks-his-own-premier-league-assist-record#:~:text=Trent%20Alexander%2DArnold%20breaks%20his%20own%20Premier%20League%20assist%20record,-Chris%20Shaw%20%40__&text=Trent%20Alexander%2DArnold%20has%20broken,The%20No.) for a defender last season with 13 direct passes leading to a goal, Alexander-Arnold has just [five league assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/trent-alexander-arnold/leistungsdaten/spieler/314353) this term – although that could also be in part due to the [forwards’ profligacy](https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/wasteful-liverpool-struggle-finish-top-4).

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Much of the negativity around the Liverpool man’s season has surrounded his [perceived defensive frailties](https://talksport.com/football/806260/trent-alexander-arnold-defending-issue-liverpool/) – something that has been rarely evident this season.

In truth, Alexander-Arnold suffered from [illness and a calf problem early on](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/trent-alexander-arnold/verletzungen/spieler/314353) and has taken a while to get back close to his optimum performance level.

Whilst his standards may have slipped slightly, at 22 and having played an [integral part](https://footballwhispers.com/blog/alexander-arnold-good-defender/) in winning all there is to win in club football – he remains an insanely talented individual.