Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has nearly everything he needs to become the best full-back in the world.
However, Rooney says the former Liverpool stalwart needs to improve in one aspect of his game to solidify his reputation in world football.
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid on a free transfer last summer after running out his contract with Liverpool.
However, the Spanish giants were forced to fork out around £8.4 million to bring him in ahead of the Club World Cup tournament in the United States.
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid was supposed to be a fresh chapter in his career, but his debut campaign has been disrupted.
He only just returned from a thigh injury he picked up during the 3-0 away win against Athletic Club in December last year, which kept him out for two months.
Tuesday’s dramatic Champions League clash against Benfica was the second game Alexander-Arnold has started since returning from his lengthy injury lay-off.
The 27-year-old helped Madrid claim a 1-0 win in the play-off first leg at the Estadio da Luz.
Before the game, Rooney heaped praise on his countryman and revealed what he must address to be considered the best right-back in the world.
“A lot of the teams will target down the sides in transition,” Rooney said (via the Standard).
“He has to be good at defending. He has to be good at both sides of the game. On the ball, he’s one of the best in world football.
“Off the ball, defensively, that’s where he has to improve. That’s where the question marks are on Trent.
“If he improves that, there’s no doubt that he will be the best full-back in the world.”
Alexander-Arnold’s recurring injury problems have limited him to just 14 appearances across all competitions this season.
He has contributed two assists across La Liga and the Champions League.
