'World class' - Gerrard hails Alexander-Arnold and Robertson
‘World class’ is Steven Gerrard’s verdict on the level of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
After a record-breaking and Champions League-winning 2018-19, Liverpool’s full-backs have picked up where they left off this season in terms of their hugely impressive levels of consistency.
Ballon d’Or nominee Alexander-Arnold set a new benchmark for the number of assists recorded by a defender in the Premier League last term, with Robertson’s tally of 11 just one fewer than his teammate.
The pair have already racked up four assists apiece in 2019-20 and linked up in breathtaking fashion to create Mohamed Salah’s goal during last Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City at Anfield.
And Reds legend Gerrard believes the duo belong among the game’s elite.
When asked about fellow Scouser Alexander-Arnold by the Liverpool Echo, Gerrard replied: “It's not a question of ‘how good can he be?’ because he is already there.
“What we have in Trent and Robbo now, straight away you would put them in the world-class bracket.
“The thing for Trent now is can he maintain that consistency for as long as he can? Because he can go on and be whatever he wants to be.
“What I would say is he is already there and we, as Liverpool fans, are blessed to have these two full-backs in the position because they are absolutely flying.
“They are so important and key to how Liverpool play and I just love watching them.
“I was lucky to have a few days around Trent during his Academy days and he stood out. Of course people always talk about his technique and the stuff they see, but I saw something in this kid that was more about character.
“Talent will get you to a certain place, but I saw that he had the fight, the desire and commitment and that is what will keep him there consistently throughout what will hopefully be a long career.
“The talent is so obvious but I saw something different in him and it was more to do with the character and that is the reason why he is where he is.”