Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will be better than Gary Neville, says former Manchester United right-back Rafael Da Silva.
The Brazilian reckons the Liverpool starlet is “destroying” the Premier League. This season he has 12 assists and two goals in 29 games, which is remarkable for a full-back.
Rafael played alongside Neville during his seven years at Old Trafford and believes his former team-mate has set the bench mark for youngsters coming through the ranks.
When asked to pick between Alexander-Arnold and his former team-mate, Rafael told ESPN: “Today I would pick Gary Neville but if Alexander-Arnold keeps doing what he’s doing he will pass Gary Neville by far.
“At the moment he’s just destroying the Premier League with assists, with everything. I have to be honest. So if he keeps going like that he’s going to pass Gary Neville as a footballer.
“When Gary Neville was young he maybe didn’t have the same qualities, wasn’t doing the same things that Alexander-Arnold was doing but he kept doing what he did for 12-13 years in Manchester and England.
“I hope Alexander-Arnold keeps playing well, not against Manchester United for sure, but if he keeps doing that he will for sure pass Gary Neville.”
Quotes via GOAL.
I think that’s a pretty fair assessment from Rafael.
Right now, I’m picking Neville all day long but Alexander-Arnold has the ability to surpass the former United captain. It’s a long trail but he is the modern full-back who acts almost like a playmaker for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
If he keeps racking up assists for fun — season after season — and helps Liverpool win league titles, it will be an argument for another day.
Rafael is still playing for Lyon and United have a very good right-back of their own at the moment.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may not get the same assists as Alexander-Arnold, although defensively he is a better full-back than the Liverpool man.
No question about that.
Rafael also picks United legend Edwin van der Sar over Liverpool keeper Alisson.
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