Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold left the English national media in disbelief with a dazzling performance as England triumphed 2-0 over the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League. Operating from right-back but often stepping into midfield, Alexander-Arnold was a constant threat and pivotal in England’s dominance in Dublin.
The 25-year-old has caught the eye of interim manager Lee Carsley, having impressed in training and now on the pitch, where his creative play and vision stole the spotlight. His performance is a far cry from his treatment under former manager Gareth Southgate, who controversially benched the Liverpool star during England’s Euro 2024 campaign after a failed experiment in midfield.
But in Dublin, Alexander-Arnold reminded everyone why he’s one of the most talented defenders in world football. His brilliant passing range and ability to dictate the tempo drew rave reviews across the English media.
The Guardian awarded him a glowing 8/10, praising his role in the opening goal and describing his performance as “dangerous” and “dictating.” The Metro echoed this sentiment with another 8/10, applauding his near-perfect cross to Harry Kane and the sublime pass that led to Declan Rice’s goal.
Even the traditionally cautious Evening Standard gave him a 7/10, commending his “stunning range of passing” and his influence in the first half. The Independent also rated him 7/10, noting how seamlessly he blended his right-back duties with forays into central midfield, picking out a crucial ball to Anthony Gordon in the lead-up to the first goal.
Alexander-Arnold’s resurgence isn’t limited to the national team. Under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, the defender has been in stellar form, helping the Reds secure three consecutive clean sheets while earning well-deserved rests in the process.
As England prepares to face Finland at Wembley, the buzz around Alexander-Arnold continues to grow. With performances like this, the Liverpool star is proving that his talent is undeniable and his impact on the pitch is simply too great to ignore.