Rio Ferdinand has gushed over Trent Alexander-Arnold on BT Sport and insisted he is so “talented” he could end up in midfield.
The Manchester United legend has been blown away by the impact the teenager has made since being fast-tracked into the Liverpool first team.
Academy product Alexander-Arnold has established himself as the first choice right-back but Ferdinand is convinced he could play even higher up the pitch.
Asked by BT Sport host Gary Lineker during their Champions League coverage on Wednesday night if Alexander-Arnold might end up in midfield, Ferdinand replied: “I think he could play there, he’s that talented. He’s more than just a defender. His distribution on the ball from anywhere on the park, he can pick anyone out at each given time.
“He had Neymar in his pocket the whole game. He shoots, he takes free-kicks in the Champions League. That tells you he doesn’t only have confidence in himself, but his teammates have confidence in him.”
"Do you think he might end up in midfield?"@rioferdy5 "I think he could play there, he's that talented. He had Neymar in his pocket!"
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to develop and impress at Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/gAjLFIFGR9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2018
OPINION
Alexander-Arnold was restored to the Liverpool XI in Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing of Red Star after being benched for the previous two matches – against Manchester City and Huddersfield. He delivered a fine display in a match that the hosts totally dominated against the Champions League minnows and was the perfect stage for his attacking mindset. However, he wasn’t even the best full-back on the pitch, an accolade that must go to Andrew Robertson for another outstanding left-back display full of vim, vigour and boundless energy. Alexander-Arnold has been a little hit-and-miss of late, unsurprising for one so young – he only turned 20 this month – but there is no doubting his extraordinary talent. Jurgen Klopp has already given the academy product a few run-outs in central midfield and it is inevitable that, as he matures and gets more experience, he will end up there, certainly well before his mid-20s. Rio knows his onions and is right to be blown away.