Rio Ferdinand has compared Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold’s range of passing to Steven Gerrard but believes that the youngster still has work to do defensively.
Alexander-Arnold shone in Tuesday’s 5-0 demolition of Atalanta in the Champions League.
One moment before half-time saw the 22-year-old defender volleying an exquisite cross-field ball to Andy Robertson on the other side of the pitch from a throw-in.
The England international is noted and revered for his attacking qualities, having bagged a whopping 31 assists in all competitions throughout the past two seasons.
And although Ferdinand says that Alexander-Arnold is virtually a complete footballer in possession, he feels that the young Melwood graduate has work to do on the defensive side of his game.
He told BT Sport last night: “Ability-wise, you can’t question this kid – he’s got everything, his passing, going forward, the way he sees things. Defensively, it’s the only thing you could pick out.
“It’s not all about ability, it’s not physical, it’s mentally, switching on and saying during a game, he’s gonna get the balance right. If he does that, he’s the best right-back about, bar none.
“I don’t think there’s anyone that can get near him because his range of passing over different distances, it’s too much. That’s Steven Gerrard at Anfield.”
This really is a frightening talent.
It’s easy to forget but this is still a 22-year-old kid and it’s scary to consider how much better he could get over the coming years.
Even if Ferdinand doubts his defensive ability, there are only minor tweaks that he must improve on before he’s the complete package.
And the former Manchester United man is right – when it clicks for him defensively, he’ll be the most complete right-back in world football by a country mile.
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