‘One of the best full-backs I’ve ever seen’: Gary Neville highlights where Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold can get even better

The full-back was a key factor in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold put on an impressive showing in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham and was the recipient of huge praise after the game by Gary Neville and his fellow pundits.

Although he didn’t register an assist on this occasion, Alexander-Arnold’s delivery was a constant problem for Spurs to contend with.

Along with Andy Robertson on the other side of the pitch, the Reds pair were often responsible for keeping up relentless waves of attacks, which ultimately culminated in Jurgen Klopp’s team overturning an early one-goal deficit.

Speaking on Sky Sports after full time at Anfield, former England right-back Neville was effusive in his praise of the 21-year-old.

“Liverpool’s full-backs are quite simply sensational,” he said. “Trent Alexander-Arnold is amazing.

“From the moment I laid eyes on him in that first game at Old Trafford his temperament was amazing. To be thrown in during that game, he was outstanding from minute one.

“But now, he’s getting to a point where he’s one of the best full-backs I’ve ever seen going forward – his passing is unbelievable.”

While Alexander-Arnold’s offensive play marks him out as one of the finest around, there remain aspects to his game which can yet be improved – as should be expected from a youngster, who is one game shy of reaching 100 senior club appearances.

Neville pointed out where the No. 66 needs to continue working hard, with his potential ceiling being incredibly high.

“The three Tottenham chances today, the [Heung-min] Son one where he hits the bar he should’ve been nearer, the goal he should’ve stopped him coming inside, and the [Danny] Rose one at the end, he got caught and dived in.

“He’s got to become as serious about his defending as he is about his attacking, and you’ve got a world-class full-back there.

“Today, Tottenham could have scored two or three and he could’ve been sat on a losing team or a team that drew because of his defensive play. If he looks at that, it’s an epitome of what his game is.”

Alexander-Arnold aims a free-kick at goal against Tottenham (AFP via Getty Images)

In contrast to the excellent Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, fellow pundit Roy Keane was scathing in his comments about Rose and Serge Aurier, saying: “You can’t compare them to Liverpool, the two lads who are absolutely fantastic.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness pointed out that Liverpool’s enviable record over the last few years might have actually contributed to Alexander-Arnold not really getting the chance to improve himself defensively with enough regularity yet.

“Trent’s five years younger than Andy Robertson, he’s not the finished article when it comes to defending, but has he learned in the last couple of years that part of his game?

“Maybe it’s because he spends so much time on the front foot. They’ve got such good players around him, that he’s not asked to do much at the other end, but it will cost them at times.

“That’s a part of the game you can learn, the easiest part. What’s he’s got in abundance is athleticism, and he’s got a wand of a right foot. He can whip the balls in when he gets into the attacking half. He’s a very special player, who will only get better.”

Alexander-Arnold has thus far earned seven caps at international level for England and is battling Atletico Madrid’s Keiran Trippier for a regular place in the team.