Gary Neville Compares Liverpool Right Back Trent Alexander Arnold to Iconic Brazilian Fullback Cafu

Gary Neville Compares Liverpool Right Back Trent Alexander Arnold to Iconic Brazilian Fullback Cafu

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:13 PM
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  • Gary Neville has heaped praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold, calling him a Cafu but insisted his defensive game needs some work
  • The Liverpool defender has endured a terrible start to the season, a pattern which was on full display vs Brighton on Saturday
  • Neville said the right-back should work on his game during the World Cup if he is not called up for England

Despite an underwhelming start to the season, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has likened Liverpool's Tren Alexander-Arnold to Cafu, the legendary fullback from Brazil.

Alexander-Arnold has been at the centre of the Red's poor campaign so far, and Neville thinks the young star can reach the levels of Cafu with a slight adjustment to his game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Gary Neville, Sky Sports, Premier League, World Cup, Brighton
Trent Alexander-Arnold has registered a staggering 62 assists for Liverpool, since making his debut a few years ago. Photos by Jay Barratt and James Gill - Danehouse.
Source: Getty Images

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During Liverpool's game league game with Brighton this past weekend, the young star was at fault for the visitor's second goal. Trent was careless in possession and could've defended better to prevent the Seagulls from scoring.

Neville acknowledged Trent's meteoric rise to the league, mentioning his incredible 45 assists for Liverpool, but said the defender needs to work on his defensive game, according to the Daily Mail.

Neville pinpoints where Trent can improve

Trent has been under heavy criticism this season, with some pundits pleading with him to retire from international football. Neville

"I said a couple of years ago his defending would hurt him. Just in these last seven or eight games, Liverpool are conceding in Trent's area. He isn’t a young player anymore. [Yes] age, but not experience."

Neville identified aspects of his game that needs some work.

What surprises me still is three or four of the very basic things, communicating, determination, sensing danger etc. can’t be taught, but four things can.This is special. This is a Cafu. I would urge him to work on it for a few months.

Trent was called up by England during the international break but did not play a single minute. Neville said missing the World Cup would be the best thing for Trent. The England defender has already surpassed Cafu's assists record, according to transfermarkt.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Cafu

Games

237

426

Goals

15

16

Assists

62

58

Trent asked to retire from England duty

Sports Brief earlier reported on former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor asking Trent to retire from England if he is not selected for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.

The former Aston Villa striker said that manager Gareth Southgate explicitly saying Kierran Trippier is better than Trent is an insult to the fullback.

Agbonlahor added that Trent should only return to England duty if Southgate is removed from the job.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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