He genuinely has. I think it’s probably been how it’s appeared rather than reality but it’s been really odd to see the change in his defending. He used to be a right pest against attackers and very determined in duels. On occasion now he just stands there as attacking players go past him. I genuinely think he could be the best right back in world football, ever and I absolutely want him at the club for his whole career. And if his defending stays like it’s been for a while he’s still a positive because his right (and left to be honest) foot is so otherworldly in what it can do - I’ve never seen a player strike the ball like he can. But the seeming disinterest in defending at points (note the at points) has been picked up on here quite a bit by plenty of people.
He's never been great defensively though has he? He's the same player he has always been.
We all know he is not getting the same cover as before, that's what has changed.
When the midfield was at it, an athletic, pressing machine, Trent was one of many who prospered. Licence to get forward without constantly worrying about the space he had left.
It comes back to the 6 and the knock on effect. When he does his job without needing protection to cover a lack of mobility, this allows the 8s to do their job better, not just in attack but defence. Dom is great at tracking back, but chuck in the extra workload he (and the other 8s) have to do in protecting the slow 6 in staying close to him, it's too much. The lack of defensive protection means the ball then gets through to the back four alot more, and with more one on ones for Trent to deal with. Like the 8s his workload has increased.
As much as we need an athletic 6 though the priority this summer has to be Trent's contract. We cannot let that run down. He's a ridiculous talent.
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