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Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘like Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Philipp Lahm’ against Manchester United and Liverpool star ‘MUST go to Euro 2020 with England’
Trent Alexander-Arnold has drawn comparisons with full-back legends Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Philipp Lahm after his stunning performance against Manchester United.
And talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has insisted he simply MUST be part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, saying it’s unthinkable Gareth Southgate will not pick the young defender.
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Alexander-Arnold has fought criticism throughout what has been a tough season for the whole Liverpool team, with focus put on the 22-year-old’s apparent defensive shortcomings.
But the boyhood Red booted all of that to one side on Thursday night, as he helped Liverpool get back in the Premier League’s top-four race in an enthralling six goal thriller victory at Old Trafford.
The script appeared to be going as expected when Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring with a deflected shot and Liverpool saw a penalty decision overturned by VAR.
But a deft flicked finish by Jota saw Liverpool equalise in stunning fashion, and from there on in Old Trafford was their playground.
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And Alexander-Arnold was the ringmaster - the defending providing a brilliant swinging free-kick which Roberto Firmino buried with his head, before his shot was saved and Firmino was on hand again to plunder the rebound.
The full-back made five key passes in a key victory for Liverpool to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive, and a performance that would have given Gareth Southgate food for thought as the England manage watched from the stands.
Alexander-Arnold may have his faults, in his early 20s he is not the finished article yet, but it was no freak accident that he was hailed as one of the finest young talents in the game just a few seasons after making his senior Liverpool debut.
Since then he has won the Champions League title - and took perhaps the most famous corner in recent history - and helped end Liverpool’s long wait for the Premier League crown.
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Cascarino believes he is up there with some of the game’s greatest ever full-backs, and says Southgate would be barmy not to take him to the Euros this summer.
“I think Trent was amazing,” said the Weekend Sports Breakfast host.
“I can’t think of too many better full-back performances - I’m going back to Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Philipp Lahm, I thought he was extraordinary on the night.
“His right foot is just a joy to watch, how dangerous it can be.
“I’ve heard that Gareth Southgate’s favourite right-back is Reece James, more than Kyle Walker.
“But he might change the way he plays, he might go three at the back and have Walker as the right-sided player in the three, and then have James as the right wing-back.
Adrian Durham is shocked to see Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of England's squad
“Let’s say we’re playing against Belgium and they had Eden Hazard and he was really fit - which he hasn’t been all year to be fair - but if he was and he was up against Trent, I’d be worried about Trent.
“But I just can’t imagine how you can leave someone so good, especially if you need to beat teams and someone who needs to make a difference - Trent would have to go!
“He would have to, for me.
“If you’re playing a team you think you should beat and you know they haven't got a left sided player who is really dangerous, again, Trent has got to play!”
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