Gary Neville has told The Gary Neville Podcast that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are the best full-back pairing the Premier League has seen, labelling the duo an absolute joy after Liverpool drew with Tottenham on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side more than played their part in a staggering game in North London. They were four goals, a red card, and a host of contentious decisions.
One of those big decisions involved Robertson being sent off for lashing out at Emerson Royal. It was clearly a mistake from the Scot – as he would admit on social media in the hours after the game.
Nevertheless, that did little to take away from another outrageous performance from Alexander-Arnold and Robertson as a pair. In fact, they combined for Liverpool’s second during the second-half.
The right-back fired his cross with the same sort of thunder as his attempt against Newcastle a few days earlier. And Robertson was there to nod home to put the visitors in front.
‘What they have is consistency, quality, energy’
Remarkably, the pair combined have 13 Premier League assists this term. Certainly, Alexander-Arnold looks to be playing better than he perhaps ever has. And that prompted Neville to compare the duo to Roberto Carlos and Cafu while on commentary.
The pundit admitted after the game that it is easier to make big claims in the heat of the moment. However, that is one statement he is willing to stand by.
“They’re that good for a start that what they have is consistency, quality, energy. And when you combine those things, you’ve got great players,” he told The Gary Neville Podcast.
“I found myself during the game – and sometimes you have to check yourself when you’re involved in an emotional game like this as a co-commentator – mentioning them in the same breath as two of the greatest full-backs I’ve ever seen: Carlos and Cafu, in terms of a pair playing together for Brazil.
“These two, I don’t think I’ve seen two full-backs play in the Premier League that are as good as these two as a pair. The way in which they combine on the pitch, the way in which they play the game, they’re an absolute joy.”
Two dropped points for Liverpool, but promising signs as Neville lauds Robertson and Alexander-Arnold
Both Liverpool and Tottenham were forced into a number of changes. And there were moments to forget for both sides, adding to the drama on show.
Liverpool will rue dropping two points with Manchester City approaching top gear in the title race. But seeing players such as Alexander-Arnold and Robertson rediscover their best form suggests that the Reds have plenty of fight in them.