Trent Alexander-Arnold is “at odds” with Jurgen Klopp’s new defensive tactics for Liverpool, according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
The Reds have been uncharacteristically vulnerable at the back so far this season, conceding an astonishing 13 goals in the first five matches of their Premier League title defence.
Seven of them came in a shock 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa earlier this month, their heaviest since Klopp took charge at Anfield.
Ferdinand believes Liverpool’s current woes could be explained by Klopp instructing them to adopt a higher defensive line, which he insists doesn’t suit Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
While discussing their high line on BT Sport, the United great said: “I think Trent is at odds with this, because it looks to me they’ve been told the tactics have tweaked a little bit.
“We’re going to squeeze, squeeze, squeeze behind.”
To add to Klopp’s concerns, Liverpool were also dealt a major blow at the weekend when Virgil van Dijk sustained a horror injury in their 2-2 draw away at Everton.
The Dutch centre-back, who has proved instrumental in their Premier League and Champions League success over the past two seasons, could be set for an eight-month spell on the sidelines after shipping a heavy challenge from Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
In fact, certain reports suggest Van Dijk’s injury could actually be worse than first feared, meaning he could be out of action until next season.
When asked which Liverpool defender will miss Van Dijk’s presence at the back most, Ferdinand’s BT Sport colleague and former Reds striker Michael Owen said: “I think Trent could be one player who misses Van Dijk more than anyone.
“Because of course he's an attack minded player. It's astonishing going forward.
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“Defensively there are some question marks at times and Van Dijk would mop them up.”
Alexander-Arnold and co are currently locking horns with Ajax in a Champions League group-stage clash out in Amsterdam, with Nicolas Tagliafico's own goal firing them in front after 35 minutes.
