Liverpool fullback Andy Robertson believes the criticism his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold receives is an indication he is a world class player.
Alexander-Arnold was recently dropped for the England squad by manager Gareth Southgate.
Many fans and pundits have commented about how he has not achieved the heights of the past two seasons this term.
"For me, it's a sign of a world-class player," Robertson said of his teammate ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
"When world-class players don't perform to the levels maybe they have done, then people criticise them more than maybe your normal player.
"I know it's hard for Trent but he should take it as some sort of compliment that so much noise is made about him.
"For me and his team-mates and for those close to him and care about him, it's about trying to keep his confidence at the highest level because when it's like that, then nobody touches him.
"On Saturday he put in a very good performance, against Arsenal he was excellent, of course he struggled in Madrid but we all did – not one of us played well, but more gets said about Trent's performance than anyone else's.
"He's a strong character, he's always been that since a young age and that's why he is at the top of the game at a very early age.
"He will overcome the criticism but it's about trying to not let it affect him and just do what he does on the pitch."
