Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most talked-about footballers in the Premier League. The Liverpool right-back has been hailed as a generational talent, praised for his passing range, creativity, and set-piece ability. But in recent years, a growing section of football fans and pundits have started questioning whether Trent is actually overrated. While his talent is undeniable, there are arguments on both sides that make this debate worth exploring.
There’s no denying that Trent has changed the role of the modern full-back. Traditionally, defenders were judged mainly on their ability to stop attacks. Trent, however, flipped that script. His ability to whip in dangerous crosses, control the game from deep, and deliver pinpoint long balls has made him one of Liverpool’s most important creative outlets.
His statistics also back up the hype. With assists numbers that rival elite midfielders, he has often been the creative heartbeat of Liverpool. Under Jürgen Klopp, his partnership with Mohamed Salah down the right side has torn defenses apart season after season.
So where does the criticism come in? For many, the issue is simple: Trent Alexander-Arnold is a defender who often struggles with defending. Critics argue that his positioning, awareness, and one-on-one defensive ability leave Liverpool exposed, especially against top opposition.
Time and again, high-profile matches have highlighted these weaknesses. In the Champions League and in big Premier League clashes, opponents often target Liverpool’s right side, knowing that Trent can be caught out of position. While Virgil van Dijk and Alisson have often covered for him, it has sparked the debate: should a defender with such glaring flaws be rated among the world’s best?
Labeling Trent as “overrated” might be too simplistic. The reality is that he plays a hybrid role that doesn’t fit into traditional definitions of a right-back. In many ways, he’s more of a deep-lying playmaker who happens to line up in defense. Klopp’s system has been built to maximize his strengths and hide his weaknesses, which is why Liverpool’s success has often mirrored Trent’s form.
However, the criticism becomes louder when Liverpool struggles. If Trent isn’t creating chances, his defensive flaws become more noticeable. That inconsistency has led many fans to argue he gets too much praise compared to players who excel in both attack and defense.
So, is Trent Alexander-Arnold overrated? It depends on how you judge him. If you see him strictly as a defender, the argument holds weight, he leaves a lot to be desired in defensive situations. But if you view him as a unique creative force who redefined the right-back role, his value becomes undeniable.
In truth, Trent isn’t overrated, he’s polarizing. His strengths and weaknesses are so extreme that they split opinion. What’s certain is that few players in world football spark debates like Trent Alexander-Arnold, and that alone proves how important he is to the modern game.
