Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has recently praised Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold for his outstanding passing ability, stating that he has never encountered anyone who passes the ball quite like the 25-year-old.
Alexander-Arnold has notably enhanced his reputation this season through a series of consistently impressive performances. Under the guidance of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold’s role has evolved significantly, allowing him to move into a midfield position where he can execute precise passes.
Walker, recognizing Alexander-Arnold’s elevated performance in recent months, expressed his admiration during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.
Walker remarked, “Trent is like a quarterback playing at right-back. I’ve never seen anyone pass the ball like it.” He elaborated on Alexander-Arnold’s remarkable ability, noting, “Whether it’s with his left foot, right foot, a long pass, or a precise delivery, his passing ability is extraordinary. Liverpool’s direct style of play benefits immensely from his passing prowess.”
In addition to praising Alexander-Arnold’s offensive contributions, Walker also addressed the criticisms often levied against the Liverpool player regarding his defensive capabilities. Walker defended Alexander-Arnold, stating, “People criticize his defending, but everyone has areas they need to improve. He has significantly improved his defensive skills, which naturally comes with more experience.”
Both Walker and Alexander-Arnold have played crucial roles for their respective clubs throughout this season. Walker has been a consistent presence for Manchester City, making 38 appearances and contributing three assists. On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold has been a vital part of Liverpool’s squad, scoring two goals and providing 10 assists in 29 games.
Alexander-Arnold’s development has seen him taking on more responsibility within the Liverpool team, particularly in a creative capacity. His ability to deliver accurate and effective passes from various positions on the field has made him a key figure in Klopp’s tactical setup. This shift to a more midfield-oriented role has allowed Alexander-Arnold to leverage his passing skills more effectively, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates.
Walker’s comments highlight the mutual respect and recognition among top-level footballers, emphasizing the unique skill sets that players bring to their teams. By comparing Alexander-Arnold to a quarterback, Walker underscores the strategic importance of his passing in Liverpool’s overall gameplay. This analogy draws a parallel between the responsibilities of a quarterback in American football and Alexander-Arnold’s role in orchestrating play from the back or midfield, demonstrating his versatility and strategic importance.
Overall, Walker’s remarks shed light on Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional talent and the significant impact he has had on Liverpool’s performances this season. Despite the scrutiny over his defensive skills, Alexander-Arnold’s continuous improvement and his extraordinary passing ability make him a standout player.
Walker’s defense of his peer highlights the broaderManchester City captain Kyle Walker lauds Liverpool star as the ‘world’s best.’ perspective of professional development and the acknowledgment that all players have areas to work on as they gain more experience. The accolades from a fellow professional like Walker serve to further cement Alexander-Arnold’s status as one of the premier passers in modern football.
