Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rate of improvement is “scary”.
What did he say?
The ex-Blackburn shot-stopper was speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday, a game during which the right-back provided the assist for Virgil van Dijk’s opener.
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He explained: “I think his rate of improvement is scary. His defensive qualities and offensive qualities make him an all-around full-back. And I’ve said this before, I think him and Robertson are the best two full-backs in the league. And when you put Van Dijk beside them, it’s a formidable defence.”
The sky is the limit
Robinson is right – the rate at which the 21-year-old has progressed is truly astonishing. During the 2017/18 campaign, he made just 19 appearances in the Premier League for the Reds, and provided just three assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.
That means that last-term was his first full season in professional football, and he hit the ground running. He managed 16 assists in all competitions, and he helped the side win the Champions League. That is a rich vein of form he has continued this season, as well, with him already having 11 assists in all competitions. All of that earned him 19th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
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Considering he was unheard of, and unknown, less than three years ago, it has been a meteoric rise for the £99m-valued England international – as per Transfermarkt. His impact has reached beyond Anfield, as well – along with Andrew Robertson, he has helped revolutionise the full-back role – and now, the question is how far can he go. At just 21 years of age, he is arguably the best in his position in the the Premier League and, as per that Ballon d’Or vote, the best on the planet.
He continues to pick up assists at a frightening rate for a defender, and if Liverpool continue to be as successful on the pitch, then he will fill up his trophy cabinet too. There is no reason why he can’t move even further up the rankings in the individual accolades – the sky really is the limit.
Meanwhile, our writers give their verdict on Liverpool’s interest in this 20-year-old.
