Debate rages over Liverpool ace as pundit overlooks ‘one of the best in history’ for England berth
Gabby Agbonlahor agrees with Liverpool star Fabinho that Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best right-back in the world but would not pick him for England.
Alexander-Arnold, 23, is enjoying another superb campaign for the Reds, with 24 Premier League appearances to date. He has registered 11 assists and helped the Anfield outfit to second place in the top-flight standings. They are still in the hunt for four trophies but face a tough battle with Manchester City for league glory.
The Liverpool-born defender’s attacking prowess down the right flank has never been questioned. But there are a few pundits who have doubted his defensive qualities.
Jurgen Klopp was quick to defend Alexander-Arnold after Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over West Ham United.
Asked about concerns over the Merseysider’s defending, he said: “Does it surprise me? Yes. Absolutely, I don’t understand that.
“But I don’t think that will change with whatever I say tonight. If he couldn’t defend, he couldn’t play. At least not in this position.
“He has improved in all departments and of course in defending as well, but he is young so he can still improve and he has to improve.”
Fabinho is also a big fan and believes that the England ace is unique in the way he plays his position.
“Sometimes we think he doesn’t have a solution and he always finds an important pass and, of course, in the last part of the pitch he can always change the game,” he said.
“When I see Trent play, it is really hard to find a right-back who plays like this, who looks more like a number eight or a number 10 than a right-back.
“But I hope he will continue playing at a high level because he can be one of the best right-backs in history, maybe the best.”
Alexander-Arnold not automatic England choice
Alexander-Arnold has made 16 Three Lions appearances to date. Chelsea star Reece James, 22, has been given the nod 10 times by Gareth Southgate.
The duo appear set to battle it out for a place at this year’s World Cup. Agbonlahor would opt for James in the right-back berth despite his admiration for the Liverpool man.
And the talkSPORT pundit outlined the reasons why Southgate should make the tough call.
“I’d choose Reece James, only because he’s better defensively,” he said. “If you say Trent Alexander-Arnold is a ten out of ten on the ball, Reece James is a nine out of ten so that’s enough that you need in that position that Reece James offers.
“Look at Reece James against Burnley. He scored and assisted, he’s giving out assists and goals as well just like Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Reece James is a lot better defensively, he looks quicker as well.”
However, Agbonlahor admitted that Klopp’s charge is peerless when going forward.
“He’s been questioned about his defending but sometimes it’s harder to work on that than your natural ability on the ball and for me he’s the best right-back in the world on the ball but defensively it can sometimes let him down,” he added.
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