Owen Hargreaves believes no Premier League right-back can match what Trent Alexander-Arnold offers Liverpool in an advanced role, while speaking on BT Sport 2 (08/12, 22:12).
The former England midfielder used Alexander-Arnold as an example of what the best full-backs can offer their sides. In comparison, he questioned if Aaron Wan-Bissaka can provide a similar forward threat at Manchester United following their draw with BSC Young Boys.
Wan-Bissaka played the full 90-minutes on Wednesday as the Red Devils failed to convert a lead. The result did not impact their Champions League progression as Group F winners.
Wan-Bissaka advanced up the Old Trafford pitch on occasion, but could not use his time in possession effectively. Young Boys also caught him on his heels for their goal following a shoddy pass from Donny van de Beek.
Hargreaves questions Wan-Bissaka, amid praise for Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold
Hargreaves wants to see Wan-Bissaka offer Manchester United a greater forward presence, but concedes his best attributes are defensive. He also accepts the Red Devils’ £50m arrival from Crystal Palace in 2019 will never match what Alexander-Arnold gives Liverpool.
“Everybody knows his attributes are defensively, which is great,” Hargreaves said. “But Reece James, [Joao] Cancelo, Trent Alexander-Arnold – they get you 10 assists [a season].
“He doesn’t have to get United 10 assists, but you want him to get five and just put himself in positions where he’s crossing the ball, where he’s receiving it in areas where he can create a bit more.
“At times, he looks a bit reluctant to go up there. I think if he puts himself in those positions more and forms a partnership with [Mason] Greenwood, then I think he can get those numbers. Nobody is going to get Trent numbers, because he’s a bit of an alien.”
Wan-Bissaka joined Manchester United after registering four assists over 39 outings in all competitions in the 2018/19 campaign. He offered four in 46 games during his first year at Old Trafford and six in 54 last term. He is yet to provide one after 18 games so far this term.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has provided 10 assists in 16 games for Liverpool already this season. The 23-year-old’s return of nine over 45 games last term was also his worst in three campaigns after offering 15 in 49 during ‘19/20 and 16 in 40 during ‘18/19.
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