Johnson tells 'world-class' Alexander-Arnold's critics to 'back off'

Former England and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson believes Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a world-class talent, and criticism of his form this season is premature.

The 23-year-old, like a number of his Reds team-mates, has struggled for top form this term, which has led to a renewal of the scrutiny of the former academy graduate's game.

Questions continue to be asked about his defensive capabilities and whether he can adjust his game from how he plays for Liverpool to a more disciplined approach with England.

Alexander-Arnold has been named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany over the next week, but a starting role is far from guaranteed.

"I personally think people should back off," Johnson, speaking at an LFC Foundation-SC Johnson Goals for Change partnership event at Anfield, told the PA news agency.

"He set the bar so high in recent years that people are just too quick to jump on his back just because he is not at the level we are used to seeing him.

"We all know he is better going forward than defending, but there is nothing wrong with that; every player is better at one thing than something else.

"I think it is a bit harsh. Of course, he hasn't been playing to the level we are used to seeing, but you don't lose your ability overnight. He is still world-class.

"Every player goes up and down in form, and Trent, no more than anyone else, wants to get back to his heights.

"He is still a young lad, and once he gets going and gets a bit more confident, I am sure he will reach the heights he has been at in the past."

While Alexander-Arnold has no competition at Liverpool for his place, the situation is different at international level, with Manchester City's Kyle Walker,