Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has paid tribute to his England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool vice-captain was selected in midfield by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in a friendly against Bosnia on Monday and, speaking about Trent, Rice said he is perfectly suited to playing the role:
“He’s special. We all know Trent’s skill set – his passing, the way he sees a pass, that right-sided [midfield] position suits him beautifully.”
“He can come in on to his favourite right side and see that pass like he does for Liverpool. It really does suit him, that role, but he went to right-back for the last 20 minutes [on Monday] and looked just as good there.
“He’s a player any country would appreciate. He’s a player we have to play, we have to get involved, and our attackers should be thriving playing off someone like Trent because his passing is off the scale.”
Liverpool fans don’t need to be reminded of Alexander-Arnold’s ability
Supporters would be quick to echo Rice’s sentiments when it comes to the Reds defender’s talent. Not many in world football can pass the ball like he can.
Unfortunately, over the years, many fans of other clubs have focused too much on what he can’t do rather than what he can do. His record of 81 assists in 310 senior appearances speaks for itself.
Slot will be watching the European Championships with interest
If Southgate does continue to start Alexander-Arnold in midfield throughout the Euros, new Liverpool boss Arne Slot will certainly be keeping a watchful eye on his performances.
There has always been a feeling that Alexander-Arnold will end up as a midfielder (rather than at right-back) and, if he succeeds whilst playing in the role for his country in Germany, Slot may consider making it his permanent position at club level too.
