Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern were left to rue two points dropped at the weekend as their side could only draw at home to Burnley.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were thumped 5-0 by Manchester City a week ago and their defensive frailties were then highlighted again in midweek by Sevilla, who secured a 2-2 draw at Anfield in the two sides’ opening Champions League match of the campaign.

And the Reds made it three without a win after failing to get past Sean Dyche’s Burnley on Saturday, with Scott Arfield giving the visitors a 27th minute lead only for Mo Salah to equalise three minutes later, although Klopp’s men were unable to find that crucial second as they again missed out on three points.

Thus, it’s not been a particularly great few weeks for Liverpool, yet they have received some good news recently as reports indicate that Nathaniel Clyne is on the road to recovery following a back injury sustained over the summer.

The England international has failed to appear for the Reds since their pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers back in July, and as such a combination of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez has deputised at right-back.

And here are THREE reasons why the former deserves to keep his place ahead of the returning Clyne for the time being…

Huge potential

From what he has produced so far in his short Liverpool career, there’s little doubt that Alexander-Arnold has huge potential, and thus could go on and become a very adept full-back.

The 18-year-old may only have played 17 times for the senior team at Anfield but looks remarkably calm and composed when on the field, and was arguably their man of the match in their Champions League success over Hoffenheim, a match in which he scored.

Ultimately, the Englishman has got all the traits to go on and become a quality full-back, and thus should remain in the side in a bid to fulfil that potential.

Why rush Clyne back?

Clearly, after years at both Southampton and Liverpool, Clyne is an exceedingly good full-back and one you’d love to have in your squad.

But that shouldn’t mean that the Reds and manager Klopp rush him back into action, as it could certainly do more harm than good to the England international.

The 26-year-old hasn’t played for many months now and although he’s nearing full fitness, that doesn’t mean that he’s nearing match fitness, and thus may need minutes with the Under-23s before making his first team return.

And with Alexander-Arnold performing well in his absence, the Merseyside giants must resist the temptation to rush him back, as it could have serious repercussions on his rehabilitation.

Need stability after testing start

It’s a well known fact that Liverpool are not the greatest defensive side in the Premier League, and that has been evident for some years now.

The Reds conceded five at Manchester City and were unable to shut out Burnley at the weekend, with questions again fired at their defensive capabilities in a game that quite easily could have got away from them in the closing stages.

And the only way that the back four, and indeed the goalkeeper, can improve is if there is stability, as an understanding can be developed between the backline, be it defending set pieces or in general play.

Klopp has been chopping and changing his goalkeeper this term which, arguably, isn’t helping the matter, and he should stick with Alexander-Arnold down the right as he has done well so far, and the only way he’ll strike up and understanding with the rest of the defence is by playing.