After a slightly below-par start to the 2020/21 season, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold now looks back to his very best.The 22-year-old turned in a wonderful performance in the Reds' 5-0 win over Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.Alexander-Arnold was a rock at the back alongside Joe Gomez, Rhys Williams and Andy Robertson, helping the Reds to a third clean sheet in three European games this season.But as is customary with the Liverpool-born defender, he was a real threat going forward as well, delivering a inch-perfect pass to setup Diogo Jota's opening goal.
Alexander-Arnold's assist vs Atalanta
There aren't many players in world football who could play that pass with such ease.
Had it been any other defender delivering that assist, football fans would have been left with their jaws dropped. But this is what we've come to expect from Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool and it's why he's revered by many as the best right-back in world football.
If you disagree with that analogy, then maybe you should watch the video below from @CF_Comps entitled 'Trent Alexander-Arnold - Technical Excellence'.
'Trent Alexander-Arnold - Technical Excellence'
Stunning cross-field passes, David Beckham-esque free-kicks and a sizeable collection of world-class assists, Alexander-Arnold is a very special player.
Speaking to BT Sport, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand stated that the defender's passing range is just as good as Steven Gerrard's was.
"I don’t think there’s anyone that can get near him because his range of passing over different distances, it’s too much," he said, per Liverpool Echo. "That’s Steven Gerrard at Anfield.”
Praise does not come any higher than that.
The sky really is the limit for Alexander-Arnold and his technical brilliance has led to many - including Ferdinand himself - weighing up whether he should be tried out in a midfield role.
“I asked him that [about playing in midfield] and he said, ‘Why would I, when I’m doing what I’m doing at right-back?’" Ferdinand added.
"It’s worth a look. Listen, I don’t think England are blessed with immovable players in that team. In centre-midfield, if they had players that you couldn’t move because they’re shoe-ins, I’d say no, but I don’t think Gareth knows his best midfield yet. So, why not try him?”