“A quarterback at right-back” – Kyle Walker issues praise for Liverpool and England positional rival

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has heaped praise on Premier League rival and international teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 33-year-old has become the latest Manchester City star to discuss Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, after the Merseyside defender became subject to criticism following a series of bizarre comments prior to Liverpool’s Premier League clash with the Sky Blues.

Manchester City drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month, as John Stones’ first-half goal was cancelled out by Alexis Mac Allister from the penalty spot.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are battling for another Premier League title, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal additionally thrown into the mix.

Just one point separates the three teams ahead of the resumption of the Premier League campaign, and Manchester City meet current league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is a doubt for the clash after sustaining a suspected hamstring injury against Brazil during international duty last weekend, with the full-back one of seven potential injury doubts for the Blues.

The 33-year-old has praised title rival Alexander-Arnold in a recent interview however, lauding the Liverpool player’s passing ability.

“Trent is a quarterback at right-back. I’ve never seen anyone pass the ball like it. Left, right foot, snow on it, when it needs to have snow on it, or ping straight to the chest,” he told Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.

“I think people come at him for defending, but people can come at me for my crossing. Let’s just say that. I don’t think anyone’s going to really have the finished article.

“I think he’s improved massively on his defending and it comes with age as well. He is not at my age and he’s still got a lot to learn in the game. I think that will come.

“He is always wanting to learn in training and with experience, that will definitely come.”

The English right-back pair could face direct competition at this summer’s European Championship in Germany, although Southgate has previously chosen to play Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role.