Crystal Palace full-back Patrick van Aanholt believes Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is better than Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed an excellent debut season at Old Trafford since his move from Selhurst Park last summer.
The 22-year-old has solved United’s long-standing issue at right-back and his proficiency in one-on-one defending is unrivalled by any other full-back in the Premier League.
Wan-Bissaka has also looked more promising when going forward during United’s impressive unbeaten run, an area of his game that has often drawn criticism.
Alexander-Arnold meanwhile, has played a key part in Liverpool opening up a remarkable 25-point gap at the top of the league table and is recognised as arguably the best attacking full-back in world-football for his vision and crossing ability in the final third.
But Wan-Bissaka’s former teammate van Aanholt has no doubts in his mind over who is the better player.
“Better than Alexander-Arnold? Without a shadow of doubt,” he told the Counter Attack podcast, as quoted by the Metro.
“They are different players. Defensively, Aaron is unbelievable, better than Trent.
“Yes, Trent has got his attacking and his corners, his right foot. But if you ask Wilf [Zaha] who he would want to play against, every other day, Trent or Wan-Bissaka, I think he will say Trent.”
The evolution of the modern-day full-back means the focus is on ability in attack just as much as it is on defending. But the primary responsibility remains defending and Wan-Bissaka is without doubt more accomplished in that area of his game. We rarely see ‘the Spider’ beaten by opposition wingers.
But Wan-Bissaka must also aspire to reach Alexander-Arnold’s level in attack to become the complete player at United.
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