“If he wasn’t on the pitch, Liverpool would have lost” – Jermaine Defoe makes bold claim on Reds star after Arsenal draw

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jermaine Defoe has heaped praise on Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold, claiming that he was the reason why the Reds did not lose to Arsenal last weekend.

Alexander-Arnold exhibited his passing range and attacking guile in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Sunday (April 9). The England right-back delivered an inch-perfect cross for Roberto Firmino in the 87th minute, leading to Liverpool’s well-earned equaliser.

Dissecting the action-packed encounter at Anfield, Defoe said that Alexander-Arnold was the player who kept the Merseysiders from succumbing to a defeat in their backyard. Defoe said on Premier League Productions:

“I mean, when you watch the game back, you can see that it is a masterclass from Trent Alexander-Arnold; it was a masterclass in passing; he has every club in the bag; his range is unbelievable."

The former player continued:

“He gives you so much going forward; if he wasn’t on the pitch, Liverpool would have lost the game, to be honest, and I keep saying that it was a masterclass performance on the pitch; sometimes, you just have to accept his flaws or play him further forward.”

Apart from marauding down the right flank, Alexander-Arnold also played in a deep midfield role at times, alongside Fabinho. After the game, manager Jurgen Klopp praised him for excelling in a No. 6 role against Arsenal.

Alexander-Arnold created four chances and completed 41 passes (80% accuracy), with 13 of them going into the final third.

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Liverpool to pay £43.8 million to sign long-time target Nicolo Barella?

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella. In March, Calcio Mercato said that the Reds could have to shell out £61.4 million to get their man this summer. Calcio Mercato Web, though, reckon that a deal could be struck for considerably less.

According to Calcio Mercato Web, Inter captain Milan Skriniar could leave this summer. Signing Skriniar’s replacement would require a lot of money, and Inter could opt to ship Barella out to facilitate that. It has been claimed that Inter could let the 2020 European Championship winner leave for £43.8 million.

Barella, who's widely hailed as one of the best midfielders in Serie A, has played 173 games for Inter, scoring 17 times and claiming 42 assists. His contract with Inter expires in 2026.

Liverpool, though, are not alone in their pursuit of the player. Rivals Chelsea are also believed to be interested in his services.