“A Bit of Xabi Alonso About His Game” – Trent Alexander Arnold Likened to Steven Gerrard as ‘Heartbeat’ of Liverpool’s Defense

The name of Trent Alexander-Arnold always comes up when it comes to debates concerning the best right-backs in the world. Over the years, the England international has established himself as one of the most crucial players for Liverpool. After his performance in a recent Premier League match against Fulham, he is being likened to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard. 

Additionally, the defender has been urged to showcase his soccer prowess in the center half of the pitch. Probably a new position on the cards?

Trent Alexander-Arnold compared with legendary Liverpool midfielders 

Alexander-Arnold became a topic of discussion during BBC Sport’s ‘Match of the Day’ discussion among the panel of Mark Chapman, Jermaine Jenas, and Leon Osman. Interestingly, after Chapman branded Trent as the ‘heartbeat’ of Liverpool’s midfield, Jenas said, “Today, I thought that he had a bit of Xabi Alonso and a bit of Steven Gerard about his game. Picking the ball up in these central areas and just finding lovely passes, but he was the heartbeat of the side.”

Jenas continued heaping praise on Trent, claiming if the likes of Mohamed Salah or Luis Diaz don’t turn up, the defender eventually does. The presenter insisted that it was time for Jurgen Klopp to make a decision and put him in the center midfield position.

“I totally understand the concept of him coming from a right-back position allows him to be free and maybe gives him the ability to kind of do what he wants to do from a free-roll type position. But he does it well enough for England. So I’d stick him in there,” he concluded. 

Indeed, this is quite a tremendous compliment, which will be music to Trent’s ears. Notably, he was likened to England icon David Beckham as well. They do share a similar trajectory with free-kicks!

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Trent’s free-kick goal gets him likened to David Beckham 

In the 20th minute, Alexander-Arnold netted a free-kick into the top-right corner, but the officials deemed it an own goal when Bernd Leno’s back inadvertently made contact with the ball. Despite this, the FCM Podcast showered praise on the accomplishment, with the host boldly declaring, “This (Trent Alexander-Arnold) is the modern-era David Beckham.”

Moreover, aside from the jaw-dropping free-kick, it was Arnold who finalized Liverpool’s comeback with a goal in the 88th minute. His antics helped the Reds secure a 4-3 victory. Perhaps the modern soccer world can fervently chant, “Bend it like Trent.”

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