Danny Murphy told Match of the Day on BBC Two (23/06/21 at 7:50 pm) that German star, Joshua Kimmich, is the ‘nearest’ thing to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The TV pundit claimed that Kimmich can ‘play anywhere’ and he’s similar to Liverpool’s academy product in the sense that they can ‘dictate a game’ from right-back.
Both for Bayern and Germany, Kimmich has operated at full-back and in the middle of the park, with others previously suggesting that Trent also has the ability to operate in a midfield role one day.
But this is what Murphy had to say about Kimmich, as he compared him to Liverpool’s flying fullback.
“Kimmich, he can play anywhere,” said Murphy. “He’s such a talent. A brilliant crosser of the ball. And a good passer of the ball.
“He’s the nearest thing to Trent that I have seen, in terms of to dictate a game from a full-back area.
“Their (Robin Gosens & Kimmich) decision-making when they get into the final third, when to cross, when to come back and help is key to this German system. The quality from the wide areas is just so, so good.
“And they are both quick. They can defend. Both of them have that lovely balance.”
Alexander-Arnold may have had an indifferent season during the recently concluded campaign, but it doesn’t hide the fact that during the past few years, he has been one of the standout right-backs in the world.
It could be argued that it’s between the Englishman and Kimmich himself as to who the standout is.
And whilst supporters will be able to see Kimmich’s technical talents out on the Wembley pitch on Tuesday when England lock horns with Germany.
It’s either going to be Kyle Walker, Reece James or Kieran Trippier donning that right channel for that mouthwatering Euro 2020 knockout showdown.
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