Liverpool fans are getting it all wrong if they think Alexander-Arnold’s absence is the issue - opinion

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

There was plenty of uproar when Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he was leaving, although some are starting to change their opinions.The Reds had a near-perfect summer in the transfer market, with the club making excellent new additions and tying down key players to new contracts.However, Alexander-Arnold is considered the one that got away, with the boyhood Red joining Real Madrid following the expiration of his Anfield contract.Many fans at the time were hurt by his decision but were keen to move on, with most turning their back on him and believing that someone like Jeremie Frimpong was better anyway.But with the Dutchman failing to get up and running, as well as Conor Bradley failing to take his chance so far, some believe that ‘Trent’ is a big miss, although this is simply not the case.Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLiverpool do not miss Trent Alexander-ArnoldThere is no denying that Alexander-Arnold is one of the best passers of the ball the Premier League has seen, with it no wonder he has been compared to David Beckham before.However, Liverpool’s big problem stems from the back, with the defence looking very shaky and susceptible to counter-attacks.And with the scouser always criticised for his poor defensive attributes, this is something that would only be a bigger problem if he was in the team, suggesting that his absence is not the issue.As well as this, many believe that Liverpool are not creating as many chances, with this something Alexander-Arnold excelled at.But again, this is not the case and players are creating plenty of opportunities, they just are not being taken, with Florian Wirtz creating more than any other player at a Premier League club.READ MORE: Jordi Alba says Liverpool sold genuinely the strongest player he has ever seenWith that said, Liverpool are not exactly excelling at either end of the pitch, but the reason for this is not because Alexander-Arnold is not there, and if anything, he would only make the issue worse.Liverpool need to sort things out quicklyThere are, of course, still issues for Arne Slot to sort out, and although they are not a huge concern just yet, they could quickly become one.The defence needs tightening up, the midfield needs to find a balance, while the attack must get back to firing on all cylinders, things that will take more than an international break to resolve.However, the Reds do not have loads of time as their fixture schedule gets very tough, with Manchester United their next opponents to kick off a tricky run.They then have Eintracht Frankfurt, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City all to play before the next break in the season, proving just how vital this period will be.As well as this, Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield return will also be a big talking point, with the Reds hoping to put on a show and prove they do not miss him one bit.