Another day, another meltdown by Liverpool fans on social media. They really are the gift that keeps giving.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inevitable exit to Real Madrid has sparked an outpouring of verbal diarrhoea from their insufferable fanbase.
‘Unacceptable’, ‘snake’, ‘unforgivable’ and ‘legacy tainting’ are among a plethora of nonsensical comments posted about his move.
Rein in the hyperbole, Alexander-Arnold was never all that
One of the worst things about modern-day football is how platitudes are thrown around like confetti.
Terms such as ‘world-class’ and ‘generational talent’ are used to describe half-decent players unworthy of such praise.
Alexander-Arnold fits into this category. Hyperbole generally runs wild when people talk about him. However, his status as a world-beater is a myth.
Let’s start with the obvious one. He’s a defender who can’t defend. Imagine if you rang up a plumber and he couldn’t fix your taps. Not great.
Sure, he can hit a decent pass and score the odd spectacular goal, but world-class? A generational talent? He just isn’t.
Some fans argue he’s been part of a golden era at Liverpool and will be sorely missed. Alexander-Arnold’s golden era equates to four trophies in nine years, so that’s another questionable viewpoint.
Let’s also not forget that he has been dreadful for England, although Liverpool fans won’t care as they’re Scouse, not English.
Alexander-Arnold will probably do well with Madrid. He’ll be at a bigger club with better players who will cover more effectively for his defensive deficiencies.
But let’s not pretend his exit is bad news for Liverpool. They’ll sign an upgrade this summer so that part of their team will improve.
What should be more concerning for Liverpool is Mohamed Salah’s future. Replacing his output in the Premier League when he leaves will not be easy.
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What to watch
There is a dreadful line-up of World Cup qualifiers scheduled for today. Watch something else.
