Paul Merson has said that while Trent Alexander-Arnold may not be the best right-back in the world, he is the best passer of the ball across the Premier League.
Merson was speaking to Sportskeeda following the draw between Liverpool and Manchester City, which saw the 25-year-old equalise late on at the Etihad Stadium.
Some may have expected Trent Alexander-Arnold to have a torrid afternoon up against Jérémy Doku. And in fairness, Doku definitely had some brilliant moments.
Paul Merson lauds Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold meanwhile, could have done better for Manchester City’s goal, playing his part in letting Nathan Ake easily evade a couple of challenges.
But the England international made amends as the game went on. He scored the goal. And actually, Doku’s influence on the game definitely started to wane as the contest continued.
Paul Merson is clearly not expecting the academy graduate to collect any awards for his defending anytime soon, but he did suggest that Alexander-Arnold really impressed him on the weekend.
“Credit has to go to Trent Alexander-Arnold. I think he is the best passer in the Premier League,” he told Sportskeeda.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“A lot has been said about him but he went and got the equaliser against the best team in the land last weekend. He might not be the best in the world at his position because there are players who are better than him defensively. But on the ball, few come close.”
Liverpool a world-class holding midfielder away from unlocking right-back’s full potential
It says everything about how good Alexander-Arnold is on the ball that he does get into the Liverpool team despite having his limitations as a defender.
His tally of 17 goals and 75 assists in 288 games in all competitions for the Reds would be so impressive if he was a winger. So to achieve that as a defender is remarkable.
And given the quality Liverpool do have in defence, it is no surprise that Jurgen Klopp is prepared to make the trade off to get Alexander-Arnold in his side.
It is scary to think about what he could be capable of once the Reds do manage to sign a world-class defensive midfielder who can help provide cover for Alexander-Arnold.