BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Frank Leboeuf following the former Chelsea defender’s criticism of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Leboeuf described the fullback’s defending as “Championship level” but Ferdinand feels the Frenchman is in no position to judge other players for their ability to defend:

“Even Leboeuf had the cheek to say he is a Championship defender. Are you winding me up? It’s disrespectful, some people get too disrespectful. Leboeuf defensively wasn’t the best by the way, so he’s got a cheek.”

Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities are constantly debated among pundits and rival supporters but, for Liverpool fans, it isn’t really a subject that generates a lot of discussion, simply because he has offered so much going forward over the years.

He is one of the most creative fullbacks in the history of the game, averaging a goal or assist every three matches at club level. He has also won EVERY trophy in domestic football, even though he is still only 23 years of age.

There have been some grumblings about Alexander-Arnold’s poor form at the start of this season but that will quickly quieten down if he begins delivering the goods in the final third once again.