Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a mix of David Beckham and Kevin De Bruyne, says Danny Murphy, with the talented right-back one of several stars to have illuminated Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign.
The Reds have seen key men across the field play starring roles as a first top-flight crown in three decades was collected. From back to front, Jurgen Klopp has found a way of bringing the best out of those at his disposal and allowing them to thrive as a collective.
One man who continues to enjoy a meteoric rise to prominence is Merseyside native Alexander-Arnold, with the home-grown star drawing comparisons to iconic figures at just 21 years of age.
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy has added his voice to those showering the England international full-back with praise, telling the Daily Mail: “Not known anyone with his quality from wide areas since David Beckham. It’s like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back.
“Could play there for the next 10 years but he's good enough to also switch into midfield. A local lad, he has the chilled personality to cope with the extra pressure.”
On the opposite flank to Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson has become another useful asset for Liverpool at both ends of the pitch, with Murphy saying of him: “The best Liverpool teams have always included at least one Scot. Incredible fitness levels to get up and down from left-back and one of those bubbly characters that’s good for the dressing-room.”
While Liverpool have plugged defensive leaks in style and see two energetic full-backs become important attacking weapons, their front three continue to dominate the headlines.
Mohamed Salah has enjoyed another standout campaign, the third of his time on Merseyside, with the Egyptian setting his sights on a third Premier League Golden Boot.
Murphy said of a talismanic figure: “Everyone expects him to repeat the 44 goals he scored two seasons ago. That’s not possible but his record is still remarkable for someone who rarely plays as a centre-forward. The happiness he showed when scoring his first goal against United at Anfield was one of the season’s highlights.”
On Brazil international Roberto Firmino, Murphy added: “Not managed a Premier League goal at Anfield but he’s a major reason Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have scored so many. We rarely see strikers get as much pleasure from assists but he also scored a beauty to win the game at Spurs.”
Salah and Firmino have further underlined their value to the Reds cause, while Jordan Henderson is another to have enjoyed a remarkable season, but Murphy believes it is Mane who has been the pick of the bunch.
He said: “My player of the year. He’s been Liverpool’s match-winner on so many occasions, deceptively strong and good in the air besides his obvious pace and shooting ability - but he is great going the other way too. Robertson must love playing behind him knowing the defensive work Mane does.”