Gary Lineker has lauded the qualities of Trent Alexander-Arnold following Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.
The former striker says there is ‘no better passer in the English game’ than Trent Alexander-Arnold and how his weakness of struggling defensively is ‘exaggerated’, as he told BBC One.
Starting at right-back for a depleted Liverpool side against a very strong Arsenal team, the 25-year-old eventually moved into the middle of the park in the second half, especially when the impressive Conor Bradley was introduced into the action.
Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best fullbacks in Europe since his debut, there have forever been calls for him to play in midfield.
At times, the England international has done that by tucking into midfield from his right-back role, but some want him to move into that role for good.
Liverpool made a number of changes to their midfield in the summer, and the signs so far are positive, but Gary Lineker was clear in stating that he has ‘forever’ said that Trent Alexander-Arnold is a midfield player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending and passing
“We saw a lot of brilliant stuff from Trent Alexander-Arnold as well,” said Lineker. “Sometimes when he can be exposed defensively, but the rewards are probably worth that. I have said forever that he is a midfield player.
“People do look for weaknesses, especially in his country where they focus on weaknesses rather than people’s strengths. Do we sometimes look for any kind of defensive mistake from Trent and then exaggerate it?!
“You aren’t going to be exposed, in terms of defensively, in midfield. There is no better passer of the football, especially in the English game.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold playing his best football
The first half of last season was Alexander-Arnold off-colour and struggling. But post-2023, he has started to showcase his old form.
It could be argued that he is now playing the best football of his career because he has been outstanding this season.
It could be argued that Alexander-Arnold has been the best right-back this season and is proving to be key in his Liverpool side winning the Premier League title.
One thing is for sure, they will return to the Champions League next season, it’s now a case of adding some silverware to the cabinet.
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