Gary Neville has weighed in on the Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Reece James debate.
With Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker both getting on in years now, it is likely that Trent and James will be competing for England’s right-back spot for years to come.
But when it comes to deciding who is the superior option, there is much to debate.
Going forward there are few better than Alexander-Arnold right now. The right-back holds the record for most assists from a defender in a single Premier League seaosn, and his ability to whip in a ball from deep is crucial to Liverpool’s success.
However, it is fair to say that Trent is not the best defensively, something that is exposed on occasion in big games and more often when he does not have Virgil van Dijk next to him.
As for Reece James, he is not quite as prolific as Alexander-Arnold going forward, though he is still more than cable of bombing down the wing to cause issues for an opposition defence.
Where James is lightyears ahead of TAA, however, is in defence, with the full-back more than capable of excelling in a right-sided centre-back role.
Now, on the latest edition on Monday Night Football, former right-back Gary Neville has had his say on who is England’s best right-back, making the case for James over Trent:
“I think Reece James could be the best out of them all,” Neville said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. “I have concerns over his fitness, and I would want to make sure he kept fit for a season or two, but he could be the best out of them all if he continues to go forward.”