Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has jumped to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, claiming that he can’t understand why some people are saying he shouldn’t go to the Euros.
The Liverpool full-back was famously snubbed by Gareth Southgate in the last England squad, and as you can imagine, that has led to speculation about whether or not he’ll be going to the Euros.
His co-hosts argued that Trent isn’t deserving of his place on the plane, but Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it.
“You’ve got the most creative right-back in the world probably right now, and there’s discussion about him not even being in the squad ,and you’re backing it. I just can’t understand it,” Ferdinand said.
His co-host then pointed out that Alexander-Arnold hasn’t had his most prolific season, making the very valid point that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has the same number of assists as him this year, but Ferdinand said his form over the last three seasons speaks for itself.
“I’m saying to you, go and look at the last three years and the stats, and you’ll be mesmerised. There isn’t a right-back on the planet who can get near him in terms of chances created.”
We can see both sides of this argument.
On his day, Alexander-Arnold is world class, there’s no doubt about that.
However, he’s not been at the races this season, and there are few positions in world football as competitive as England’s right-back spot.
Indeed, the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James are also quality players, so picking any of them ahead of Alexander-Arnold would be a very valid selection.
It remains to be seen whether or not Southgate picks Alexander-Arnold this summer.
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