Thomas Tuchel has made his stance on Trent Alexander-Arnold clear after the Liverpool star was omitted from England's World Cup squad. The 27-year-old Real Madrid full-back's hopes of joining the squad have ended after Tuchel opted to call up central defender Trevoh Chalobah as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento.
Tuchel's Decision Explained
Speaking on his choice, Tuchel stated: "We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can play both sides as full-back, so Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four." This decision marks another setback for Alexander-Arnold, who has endured a difficult 12 months following his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid.
Tuchel's Lukewarm Praise
Tuchel has offered limited praise for Alexander-Arnold while explaining why he does not fit into his plans. After leaving him out of March friendlies, Tuchel said: "I think it's a very hard decision. No doubt about his talent, no doubt about his career and what he can give to teams. We created a slightly different game model when he was not in camp in September, October, November. It was a game model built on intensity, built on positivity, built even in the profile of the right full-back on overlaps on underlaps, very intense. So it was a slightly different profile of players who were with us in camp and who performed so well."
Tuchel added: "We had a call. I tried to explain the situation but Trent just has to accept it. I know that it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out. It's a sportive choice and a difficult choice. Maybe it's unfair to a certain degree but these choices have to be made."
Defensive Concerns
It is clear that Tuchel has concerns over Alexander-Arnold's defensive capabilities. In August, after leaving him out of qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, he remarked: "If he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously. Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football, and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."
Logistical Reasons for Chalobah Call-Up
There were also logistical reasons for Chalobah getting the nod, as the Chelsea defender was already in the United States. Teams have until 24 hours before their opening match to call up an injury replacement. According to Sky Sports, FA chiefs were unaware of Alexander-Arnold's whereabouts, raising concerns about whether he would reach the team's Kansas City training camp in time. It appears he faces an even longer route back to the England team while Tuchel is in charge.
