Kieran Trippier has hailed Liverpool pair Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold as being two of the best full-backs on the planet.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Trippier likened Liverpool’s options in the position to that of Tottenham Hotspur during his time at the club.
“Similar situation when I was at Tottenham,” said Trippier. “We had myself, Rose and Walker. Like I said, it’s always good to have competition and two players in every position.
“Robertson and Trent, they have been unbelievable for the past few years and the numbers speak for themselves. Two of the best fullbacks in the world.”
Don’t forget about Kostas
If we’re talking about how good Liverpool’s full-back’s are – and they are brilliant, it seems only fair to now mention a third name too.
Kostas Tsimikas has filled in expertly for Robertson all season. Last night he took his game to a new level though. Two assists and a Man of the Match performance in a Champions League quarter-final under the lights at Anfield.
It doesn’t get any better than that. Tsimikas now has nothing left to prove at Liverpool, he is as good-a-deputy as they come. If anything should happen to Robertson in the games to come this season, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about.
He’s been so good, he now even has his own song.
Finding the back-up right-back
Unfortunately the same can’t quite be said about the right-back position. Joe Gomez filled in capably while Alexander-Arnold was injured recently. But last night was a reminder of his limitations in the position.
That’s to be expected, though. Gomez is a good option to have but when your first-choice right-back is so influential, you need a similar player to step in during any absences.
Trent is still a young player and Liverpool need to be careful not to burn him out too quickly. Neco Williams provided decent cover but he perhaps isn’t quite up to the required standard just yet. He also looks likely to leave this summer.
Tsimikas is virtually a carbon copy of Robertson. Boundless energy, good defensive awareness and wicked crossing ability.
It’s a tall order to find a right-back with similar qualities to Trent. Liverpool’s scouting team should relish the challenge, though.
They’ve been brilliant at making signings to take The Reds to the next level. Someone to take the heat off Trent in the manner that Tsimikas has for his mate Robbo could make all the difference next season.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
