Man United legend Denis Irwin has chimed in on a tasty Liverpool debate.
Irwin was himself one of the very best during his long and successful stint at Old Trafford. Making over 500 appearances for United, he’s one of the all-time Premier League greats.
The Irishman was recently quizzed on some of the best current-day full-backs in Europe, with the two Liverpool legends coming up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool look on, as they celebrate the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have had phenomenal Liverpool careers. They were ever-present during the years of Jurgen Klopp, and pivotal in last season’s title triumph under Arne Slot, forming arguably the best full-back partnership we have seen — full stop.
But who does Irwin think is better?
Andy Robertson closer to world-class than Trent Alexander-Arnold according to Denis Irwin
Neither Robertson nor Alexander-Arnold have been playing much this season. The Scotsman has made way for new signing Milos Kerkez, and it has cast doubt over Robertson’s Liverpool future.
His former partner in crime has been injured for most of his time in the Spanish capital, a fact no one on Merseyside will lament.
But it’s Robertson who is held in higher regard by Irwin.
He told ESPN: “Love Robertson as a defender. You know, he’s done brilliantly for Liverpool, our biggest rivals. World-class? Yeah, wouldn’t be too far off it.”
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Andrew Robertson of Liverpool in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield. John Arne Riise celebrates scoring the opening goal against Chelsea
Credit: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images
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On Alexander-Arnold, he explained: “These are unbelievably good players, but world-class? No.”
Trent was undoubtedly the bigger name during their spell together at Anfield, but Robbo was right up there with him in terms of quality. Ahead, according to one of the great full-backs of the Premier League era.
Denis Irwin’s questionable full-back assessments
It wasn’t just Robertson and Alexander-Arnold he was deciding on. New Liverpool stars Jeremie Frimpong and Kerkez were among the names mentioned as well.
Irwin’s full list of answers:
Achraf Hakimi – potentiallyNuno Mendes – noJules Kounde – noTrent Alexander-Arnold – noDani Carvajal – noJoao Cancelo – noDenzel Dumfries – noJeremie Frimpong – no Reece James – potentiallyJurrien Timber – noPedro Porro – noMarc Cucurella – noMilos Kerkez – potentiallyAndy Robertson – not far offAlfonso Davies – noDestiny Udogie – no
A tough critic, it has to be said.
Nice to see Kerkez getting recognition from Liverpool fans and now from legends of the game as well. Spare a thought, however, for PSG’s Mendes who has been harshly snubbed.
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