Crossing king Trent can destroy Everton

SOMETIMES, you only realise a player’s true value when they are out of the team. During Liverpool’s recent dip in form, they desperately missed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity. He has returned just in time to make them believe they can win the title. This young man plays without fear. When he cuts loose, opponents do not have much time to stop him. Rarely do you see him delay, hesitate or take an extra touch. In a flash, the ball is on a plate for the striker. Everton are vulnerable from crosses and if they do not stop Alexander-Arnold tomorrow, Liverpool’s fearsome forwards will be queuing up to put the ball in the net. The quality of his delivery is sublime. Alexander-Arnold has natural talent for striking the ball, bending his body to generate maximum whip and pace. He reminds me of Steven Gerrard in the way he crosses, with such accuracy and venom. The former Liverpool captain spotted Alexander-Arnold’s ability when he was coaching the club’s Under 16s. ‘He grew up pretending to be me while playing in the Merseyside parks,’ Gerrard wrote in his autobiography. ‘He can play as a No 6, a holding midfielder, but he’s versatile and I’ve seen him fill various positions. I know England are all over him.’ Now 20, AlexanderArnold has already broken into the senior squad and won five caps. So far, he has been used as back-up for right backs Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier but he has all the attributes to be a top central midfielder. We would see his full repertoire of passes in midfield. It is where I see him thriving for England. If he can’t start at right back, a plan needs to be put in place to get him in the team. He is simply too good to be left out.