Andy Townsend says Liverpool star is ‘miles better’ than his closest competition at Arsenal

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Both Liverpool and Arsenal will hope to challenge for the Premier League again next season.

The Premier League duo were the closest competition that Manchester City faced on their route to winning a record fourth consecutive league title.

Mikel Arteta’s side remained in the title fight until the final day of the season, whereas Liverpool suffered a drop in form during Jurgen Klopp’s final few months.

The Reds will look to mount another challenge next season, although it is a tough ask for Arne Slot to pick up where Klopp left off.

However, Slot still has a number of world-class players at his disposal and Andy Townsend believes one star is far better than what Arsenal have to offer in his position.

Andy Townsend on Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ben White

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revolutionised the right-back position since bursting onto the scene with Liverpool.

His incredible range of passing and eye for goal has seen him put up numbers that cannot be matched by any other right-back in history.

In contrast, Ben White made his move from centre-back out to the right for Arsenal and offers the Gunners incredible defensive solidity as well as an outlet in attack.

READ MORE: Ian Rush responds to £100m Liverpool transfer rumour, says whether they should cash in

England are blessed with some of the best right-backs in the world with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker also available for Gareth Southgate.

White refused the call-up for Euro 2024, but Andy Townsend believes he is not good enough to get in the side ahead of Alexander-Arnold anyway.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend said “I’m not sure Ben is better than a fit Reece James. I certainly don’t think he is a better right-back than Kyle Walker even though he wasn’t at his best in the tournament.

“Trent, I think he’s miles better than Ben White. 

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted with Real Madrid star as Liverpool exit rumours ramp up

“White played very, very well and I’m not disputing that he’s a very good player, but I think if England are looking to kick on and get over the line in tournaments I don’t think the answer is playing White at right-back.”

With Gareth Southgate now stepping away from the England job, there are reports that White could consider a U-turn and put himself back in the picture for an international call-up.

Eddie Howe is the favourite to take the job and HITC revealed he would not turn down the offer if it arrived – it may be down to him to decide who out of Alexander-Arnold or White starts at right-back.