Rio Ferdinand issues verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool win

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Rio Ferdinand has told BT Sport (broadcast on 3/11; 23:08) that Trent Alexander-Arnold is a fabulous footballer after watching the Liverpool star help the Reds beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool are through to the knockout stages of the competition. Goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane ensured that they saw off Diego Simeone’s side.

The result leaves Jurgen Klopp’s men seven points clear at the top of their group with just two games remaining. They have been flawless so far this season.

And the player that many were raving about following the victory was Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back provided both of the assists in the win, including an absolutely delicious cross for Jota. He has now set up six goals in all competitions.

The victory was particularly significant because the game pitted Alexander-Arnold against one of his full-back rivals in the England squad, Kieran Trippier.

Trippier has been a mainstay throughout Gareth Southgate’s tenure, while the 23-year-old has found it difficult to cement a spot in the team.

But the Liverpool man certainly proved a massive point on Wednesday. And while Ferdinand suggested that he could understand why Reece James would potentially get picked ahead of Alexander-Arnold, he insisted that he was blown away by the youngster’s latest performance.

“Trent’s just got something about him in terms of the finesse, and the range and the different clubs in the bag,” he told BT Sport during a conversation about England’s right-back options. “He’s a fabulous footballer. It’s because it’s Anfield as well, you liken him to a Steven Gerrard almost.”

Alexander-Arnold better than most even when Liverpool man is off-form

Alexander-Arnold was not at his best last season. But he still managed to provide nine assists, including seven in the Premier League.

He looks to be back to his best right now. And while James is certainly having an outstanding season, it is simply impossible to argue with anyone who claims that no-one in his position is playing better than Alexander-Arnold right now.