Trent Alexander-Arnold Bizarrely Likened to Lionel Messi After Superb Showing in New Role

• Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander Arnold received plaudits after a masterful performance against Malta
• The 24-year old was deployed in midfield where he excelled with support from Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice
• He was so superb that a former Premier League star compared him to Lionel Messi

Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold was likened to Lionel Messi after a masterclass against Malta on Friday, June 17

Alexander-Arnold was the star of the show as The Three Lions ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in the Euro qualifier, with many claiming he might have found a new role on the pitch.

In recent months, questions have been raised over the right back’s abilities to defend as sections of fans have leaned on the opinion that the 24-year old is better off playing down the middle.

This notion somehow proved true, as Alexander-Arnold was given an odd position as he predominantly played in the number 10 role.

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Gareth Southgate decided to start him in midfield along the more experienced Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice, and that tactical tweak somehow proved to be a stroke of genius.

Throughout the match, fans were treated to a prime Alexander-Arnold, whose game was characterized by pin-point crosses, interceptions in midfield and loads of energy.

A wonderful night for the Liverpool man was then wrapped up with a goal in the 4-0 win.

“Not far from Messi”

Trent was so good on the day, that former footballer and pundit Tony Cascarino decided it was a good idea to liken him to Lionel Messi.

While speaking on TalkSport, the former Aston Villa man said:

"You look at Trent, and you know he can deliver for England. Trent has qualities that are not far off Lionel Messi."

These sentiments typically left fans stunned on social media as some acknowledged the Liverpool man’s abilities but felt comparisons to Messi was a bit of a stretch.

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Notably, this is not the first time Alexander-Arnold has been deployed in midfield by Southgate as he was played in a similar position in 2021 during a qualifier against Andorra.

Jack Grealish put through grueling drills

Sports Brief also reported on Jack Grealish’s gruelling running drills which the winger was subjected to on Friday.

Grealish was an unused sub in the win over Malta, but he was subsequently compelled to take on some running drills at full time.

This followed an intense partying spree by the Man City ace after his team secured the treble by beating Inter 1-0 in the Champions League final on June 10.