Adebayo Akinfenwa has slammed those criticising Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending by labelling the Liverpool man the ‘best fullback in the world’, as he told Sky Sports.
The Wycombe striker added, if Alexander-Arnold did what his critics asked of him and defended as well as he attacks, then the Liverpool 23-year-old would be the ‘best player in history’.
No one doubts the magic, touch, vision, passing and crossing ability Alexander-Arnold has from the flanks.
But, it’s what he does going back that catches the eye of some people, and in some cases, results in him being criticised.
That’s something boyhood Liverpool fan and Wycombe striker, Akinfenwa, isn’t buying, as he praised the England international.
“Best fullback in the world,” said Akinfenwa. “I don’t care, man, yes, slightly (biased) because I am a Liverpool fan.
“You know what the worst thing is, as I see him more and more. I know people want to talk about his defending. I saw Klopp come out and say ‘he can defend’. And he can.
“But it’s because he is so good at going forward. So good, you are thinking ‘if he can defend like that’.
“If he could defend, as good as he is going forward, then he would be the best player in history.”
Whilst Alexander-Arnold works his magic on the domestic stage, after so many years, he still hasn’t cemented a place in England’s XI.
Depending on who you listen to, many people will have different viewpoints on that matter.
On one hand, it’s the most talented and jam-packed area of the pitch, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier competing with TAA in recent times.
But, others will point to the man in the Wembley dugout, Gareth Southgate, and how he doesn’t have the attacking talent, from a tactical perspective, to get the best out of one of the best modern fullbacks today.
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