Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has suggested that Roberto Carlos and Cafu are the two best full-backs of all time.
Trent has recently picked up some praise from the legendary Cafu, who compared him to his old teammate Carlos. Asked about the Brazilian’s comments about him during an interview with TalkSPORT, the Liverpool man repaid the compliment.
“It’s high, high praise. When you think of those two names, you probably think of the two best fullbacks in history really,” said Alexander-Arnold. “There’s a couple that sneak into that conversation, but those two are always in everyone’s conversations. So, for those words to be spoken is really, really nice.
“It’s just special to know that people like that see the game in a way that they understand me, because I feel like sometimes as a player, I might be a little bit misunderstood. But to feel like I’m being understood by them, is really nice.”
Cafu sends reminder of Trent’s talents
While the rest of the country worked itself into a frenzy over whether Trent can or cannot defend, Cafu’s words were a reminder of his quality.
Not that Liverpool fans necessarily needed reminding. Despite his poor form this season, we all know what a player Alexander-Arnold is, and we’re lucky to have him.
But to have a player as illustrious as a World Cup winning captain to speak so highly of him, it really is special.
And Trent deserves that praise, too. Few in living memory have been subject to the kind scrutiny he’s had placed on him this season.
Some of that scrutiny has been warranted, of course it has. The 24-year-old has been well below his best and that can’t be ignored.
Bigger picture though, Alexander-Arnold is still a unique and perhaps even generational footballer. As someone who also played the right-back position with aplomb, Cafu can obviously recognise that.
Unfortunately, not everyone can, or will. Hello, Gareth Southgate. Still, in time, maybe the Scouser’s qualities will be more widely appreciated.
As for the best full-backs in history, there’s a convincing argument that Trent and his mate Andy Robertson are the Cafu and Carlos of their time. But that’s a debate for another day.
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