An ex-Liverpool player has launched a scathing attack on Trent Alexander-Arnold, criticizing what he called "propaganda" surrounding the right-back's performances.

Alexander-Arnold has long been hailed as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, largely due to his exceptional crossing ability, vision, and knack for contributing to goal. Yet he has often been blasted for his defensive performances

Despite the strong performance on the road against Bournemouth, the England international faced difficulties as Bournemouth's attackers caused problems for the 26-year-old defender. It wasn't the first time this season that Alexander-Arnold has had defensive struggles, and Steve Nicol did not hold back in his analysis of the fullback's performance at the Vitality Stadium.

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Speaking on ESPN FC, the former Liverpool star was highly critical of Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Bournemouth, describing the defender as ‘woeful’ in what turned out to be a game to forget for the right-back.

Nicol said: "I keep looking at Alexander-Arnold, and honestly, today, that whole propaganda that we were listening to at the start of the season about how his defending is better.

“That’s all that was, propaganda, today he was absolutely woeful, so bad. I think he would have been taken off anyway had he not picked up a knock, he was that bad defensively.”

Nicol added, when asked if Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance could be attributed to a lack of effort on the day, that it wasn’t a question of work rate but rather his inability to cope with the challenges presented by Bournemouth’s attackers.

“I don’t think it’s a lack of effort, he’s just a fish out of water, he doesn’t know what to do" said the 63-year-old. “He’s had the Konate’s and the Matip’s and the Van Dijk’s of this world to cover it up, and because Liverpool have had more of the more over the last five years, he can get away with it, but when he’s isolated, oh my, you need to shut your eyes and pray.”

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold was given the unenviable task of slowing down Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert on his side of the field, and the pair certainly proved to be a tough challenge. On the ball, Alexander-Arnold wasn't as effective as usual, failing to make the attacking impact. He showed signs of improvement just before going off injured, but overall, it was a game to forget for the right-back.