'I want to see him': Gary Lineker says Liverpool 23-year-old could become the new Pirlo

By Shamanth Jayaram

BBC pundit Gary Lineker believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has the quality to become as good as Italy legend Andrea Pirlo if he’s given a run in midfield.

The 23-year-old Liverpool defender is among the best right-backs in the world. He has been phenomenal for the Reds over the last two years, but he’s still finding it difficult to nail down a place in the England squad.

Kyle Walker and Reece James are both ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order. That really is a shame as the Alexander-Arnold has the quality to start games for most clubs and countries.

Lineker, who is a big fan of the Liverpool full-back, is desperate to see him in the England setup. He believes that if Alexander-Arnold is given an opportunity in midfield, he can emulate Pirlo.

Gary Lineker: Alexander-Arnold can be England’s Pirlo

He said on BBC MOTD Top 10 Podcast: “There are a lot of great (English) right-backs at the moment.

“I know Klopp rubbished it recently saying ‘why would you play the best right-back in world football in the midfield’, but I’ve been arguing that I would play him in the midfield because I want to see him in the England team.

“He used to be a midfielder and he only ended up at right-back by accident, his passing range is extraordinary.

“Andrea Pirlo said, he was critical, he said that the only thing England are missing is a player like Pirlo, funnily enough, but I think he could be that, because he can pass from both ways in the middle of the pitch, I might be wrong, but it was interesting to see Gareth try it, and he was good.”

Alexander-Arnold would not be too bad in central midfield. His passing range is good, he is quick and has a decent shot on him as well. He would be an interesting option for England in big games, but will he be as good as Pirlo?

The Italian was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He could do everything on the football pitch and as good as Alexander-Arnold can be in the middle of the park for club and country, it will take something special to even get close to Pirlo’s level.