Rio Ferdinand has called out Frank Leboeuf for calling Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold a ‘championship defender’, as he told Vibe with Five.
The Premier League legend added that the France World Cup winner is being ‘disrespectful’ with his comments, as he blasted Leboeuf for his own questionable defending during his days as a Chelsea player.
Alexander-Arnold was left out of England’s latest matchday squad that faced Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night.
The Anfield academy product didn’t earn a single minute over the international break and he is currently behind Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier in the pecking order.
Whilst no-one argues Alexander-Arnold’s attacking qualities, there has always been a big question mark over his defending.
Even though that cloud is over his head, Ferdinand wasn’t happy with how Liverpool’s assist king is being treated by sections of the media.
“Frank Leboeuf had the cheek the other day to say that he’s a ‘Championship defender’,” said Ferdinand. “Are you winding me up? He said ‘he’s a Championship defender’.
“It’s disrespectful. Some people have become too disrespectful. Leboeuf, by the way, defensively wasn’t the best, so he has the cheek.”
ALEXANDER-ARNOLD HAS NO CHANCE UNDER SOUTHGATE
Whilst Alexander-Arnold deserves more minutes and chances for England, it’s just not going to work out for the forward-thinking fullback under Southgate.
It would be a surprise if he earns a golden ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar because there are three names already ahead of him.
For Alexander-Arnold, he just has to be patient, he is only 23 and he still has years of performances to give his country.
It won’t happen under Southgate, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the former centre-back isn’t in charge of England after the World Cup, regardless of what happens.
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