Gary Neville has claimed that Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are the greatest pair of full-backs in Premier League history.
The duo are crucial for Jurgen Klopp’s side and frequently make a significant contribution both defensively and in an attacking sense.
Alexander-Arnold and Robertson also often combine on the pitch and can be extremely difficult for opponents to cope with.
Gary Neville believes Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) and Andrew Robertson (R) are the best full-back pairing in Premier League history
Neville described the way that Alexander-Arnold and Robertson play as ‘an absolute joy’
Former United defender Neville believes that the Liverpool full-backs deserve to be mentioned alongside Brazil legends Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said: ‘Sometimes, during a game, you have to check yourself when you’re involved in an emotional game like this as a co-commentator or commentator, you’re mentioning them in the same breath as probably the two greatest full-backs I’ve ever seen, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
‘For so many years they were the shining example. They transformed full-back play. I know there had been attacking full-backs before, the Liverpool teams of the 70s, but when you think of them as being an attacker first, defender second, contributing to free-kicks, attacks, crosses, every part of the game. They made full-backs a prominent part of the team.
‘They were exceptional, but these two… I don’t think I’ve seen two full-backs play in the Premier League that are as good as these two as a pair. The way in which they combine on the pitch, the way they play the game, they’re an absolute joy.’
Neville compared the Liverpool stars to legendary Brazilians Roberto Carlos (L) and Cafu (R)
Robertson was sent off in Liverpool’s enthralling 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, but the left-back also scored in that game, while Alexander-Arnold again caught the eye, especially with his attacking attributes.
Neville also believes that, given their quality, teams can’t afford to let Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have possession.
Both players battle extremely hard and perfectly embody the type of player that Klopp wants in his team.
The Liverpool full-backs often make a significant contribution defensively and going forwards
Neville continued: ‘Robertson with his consistency does everything well. Defends well, he’s competitive – slightly too much at the end – but he scored a goal and set up a goal. Alexander-Arnold is an absolute phenomenon when it comes to the quality of his passing, his delivery. It’s something I’ve never seen before from a full-back.
‘It’s like De Bruyne, it’s Beckham, it’s Gerrard, and they’re attacking players. He’s playing at right-back, it’s the highest accolade I could pay him.
‘The contribution these two make is unbelievable. It’s bizarre to me. I grew up saying let the full-back have it. You can’t let these two have it.
Liverpool are second in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Given the quality that Alexander-Anrold and Robertson possess, they could have a significant part to play as Liverpool look to regain the title.
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