Roy Keane thinks the international break with England for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ‘easy’ work.
It wasn’t so long ago that Gareth Southgate was playing Alexander-Arnold in midfield, but now that he is out of the door, the Liverpool star is flourishing on the international stage.
England beat the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday and then Lee Carsley’s side backed it up by beating Finland on Tuesday night at Wembley.
Alexander-Arnold was Man of the Match for both games, playing in his usual right-back role and dictating play like he is the best playmaker in town.
It needs to be noted that the 25-year-old wasn’t even used in the final of Euro 2024 and Southgate failed to get this type of performance out of him, whether it be a friendly game, a qualifier, UEFA Nations League or at a major tournament.
But now that there is an attack-minded coach in the dugout – in interim charge – you are seeing Alexander-Arnold perform like he has a Liverpool shirt on.
Harry Kane made his 100th appearance for England against Finland. He celebrated it by netting a brace and he was assisted by the man of the moment for the Three Lions.
Alexander-Arnold whipped in a delightful ball to Kane, who was in the pockets, as he then took on the Finland backline and fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Roy Keane shared that ‘not many players’ can pick out and produce a pass like that, as he spoke in awe of the player, as he told ITV Sport.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s passing for England
“Brilliant,” said Keane. “They have got to get to Trent. If he is popping up in these positions (in the final third). We see him do it all the time. At the weekend (against Ireland). We see him do it for Liverpool.
“Brilliant, easy night for him. When you give top players time and space on the ball, then their decision-making, his pace of pass, the type of pass he was making and giving his teammates a lovely pace in his pass.
“This pass (for Harry Kane’s opening goal). Not many players can play that – the pass from Trent is absolutely brilliant.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold under Arne Slot
The Liverpool academy product was handed his debut and brought through by Jurgen Klopp, where the team produced many great moments and trophies.
Many didn’t know what to expect when Arne Slot replaced Klopp, but after three games, they have made a 100% start and recently beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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Alexander-Arnold has started strongly under Slot and is fitting into his more relaxed, measured and possession-based system like a glove.
It’s now a case of Alexander-Arnold signing a new contract because his current one expires in less than 12 months.
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