Gary Neville has suggested that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is more talented than Kyle Walker’s Manchester City.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Neville and Jamie Carragher became embroiled in a debate over the Liverpool right-back.
Both ultimately decided that the 22-year-old should be in England’s squad for the European Championships.
But Neville could see the reasons why the Liverpool man was left out.
The Manchester United legend says that although the Liverpool man is ahead of Walker – and every other English right-back option – on pure talent, the £50 million Manchester City defender (Sky) has positives too.
“If we were picking it off just who is the most talented player Alexander-Arnold would go straight in the team,” he said. “He is absolutely exceptional and his attacking stats are absolutely brilliant.
“He creates loads of chances, his assists are off the scale. He’s an exceptional player. This is the most talented player and the best going forward in the squad.
“But what you have [with Walker] is more balance, more experience. He’s the best in terms of defensively, and going forward, and pace, and experience. He’s the one Southgate will trust the most. He is a must that he’ll go.”
Alexander-Arnold’s latest omission from the England squad was a major surprise, but he did at least respond with an excellent performance at the weekend.
The Liverpool man claimed an assist as they beat Arsenal 3-0 with a typically excellent cross.
Alexander-Arnold will have a chance to prove he can defend against top level opponents later tonight, as Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
