Former Manchester United captain had waded into the Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold comparison. According to Gary Neville, Trent Alexander-Arnold is more comfortable on the ball than Reece James.
He added that Reece James is a better defender than Trent and the Chelsea defender is an all-around player.
The two right-backs have distinguished themselves as one of the best in the business right now and have had an impressive season for their respective clubs.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had been compared to a Barcelona Legend and one of the greatest right-backs in football (Dani Alves). the 23 years old England international is most criticized for his poor defensive awareness.
He is mostly viewed as the weak link within the Liverpool defensive setup despite his offensive prowess. He is also a dead poor specialist and the accuracy with which he takes his freekicks and takes his corner kicks is one of the best in the Premier League and Europe.
Recce James is seen as an all-around defender and he is effective both offensive and defensive. He is arguably Chelsea‘s player of the season despite spending most of the season in sickbay with injury.
What did Gary Neville say?
The former Manchester United skipper made his choice known among arguably the best right-backs in the World in an Instagram post.
He said: “Trent or Reece? That’s an interesting one, by the way.’’
“Trent is far better on the ball. He’s better than everyone on the ball. He’s better than most, to be fair. Midfield players and wingers on the ball.
“But I think Reece James, injury-free for a couple of seasons, could surpass Trent as an all-around fullback. He needs to stay fit for a few seasons.
“I do think Trent has improved his defending, I would say in the last three to four weeks. He has been a lot more aggressive in getting to the ball.
“I think, between them both, they are both outstanding. But Trent, at the moment, edges it and Reece can overtake.”
However, Rio Ferdinand seems to disagree with his former teammate. the 43 years old believe Reece James is more complete than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He also recommended the Chelsea defender for the Premier League young player of the year.
Rio Ferdinand said:’’(James) has got everything. “I think this kid, man… seriously, he’s got five goals, by the way, six assists.’’
“Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken assist levels to a new level.
“This kid, I reckon he’ll score more goals than someone like Trent. That’s the difference. He may not get as many assists but he’ll score more goals throughout his career. “This guy for me, he’s just a breath of fresh air.”
Despite their impressive performance over the years, they struggle to make it into the starting lineup with Southgate preferring Manchester CIty’s Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier of Newcastle.
Recce James has scored 6 goals and provided 8 assisted in all competition for Chelsea this season. He has been nominated for player young player of the year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also provided 19 assists and scored 2 goals in all competition this season.
