In an interview with The Times, Trent Alexander-Arnold said he’s never seen anyone play the right-back position like he does at Liverpool.
The England international told Paul Joyce: ‘I do not really think anyone has . . . hmm . . . I don’t want to sound big-headed, but I have never seen a right back play it as I have been playing it.’
While he’s clearly conscious of sounding arrogant, there’s nothing controversial about what the Liverpool academy graduate is saying.
As Jamie Carragher once quipped, it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back when Jurgen Klopp names Alexander-Arnold in his XI.
The 22-year-old has become such a weapon for the Reds that it feels a rarity to see him do much defending, as opponents are always more cautious about what he’s going to do with that incredible right-foot.
In 145 appearances for Liverpool, Alexander Arnold has amassed 38 assists, and he’s also broken records.
There is no doubt that he’s a trailblazer – a pioneering, innovative character – in the footballing world.
The Liverpool No.66 set a new Premier League record for most assists by a defender in 2018/19 when racking up 12. Then, he beat his own record last term by setting up 13 goals.
To walk into senior football and rewrite the history books for goal involvements from a defender takes some doing, and certainly backs up the notion that Alexander-Arnold is playing the right-back role like no-one else has previously done.
At times, it’s genuinely like Liverpool have David Beckham at right-back – his delivery is that good, and also unbelievably consistent.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
