Striker says Trent Alexander-Arnold boasts a 'mental' skill

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford says Trent Alexander-Arnold boasts a 'mental' skill. The Liverpool player may be the best around.

Patrick Bamford believes Trent Alexander-Arnold may strike a ball better than anyone around. The Leeds United striker was talking on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast, where he discussed the most complete footballers around.

Two names stuck out to him: Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Alexander-Arnold. Bamford then went into a little more detail about what makes the Scouser special.

“He [Trent] can do a bit of everything," said Bamford. "I think centre-back would be a bit of a struggle but everywhere else.

“His technical ability and the way he strikes a ball, there’s no one better I don’t think. He can kick it so far as well, that’s mental.”

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Trent Alexander-Arnold earns praise

It's always great to hear just how highly-rated Alexander-Arnold is by other pros. The right-back has spent the last few years reinventing what to expect from his position, which has led to a natural progression into a midfield role.

Liverpool toyed with it last season as Alexander-Arnold changed from being a completely wide full-back to one who aims to drift inside. It worked wonders, transforming the Reds' disappointing season into one with some promise.

And Jurgen Klopp and co. expanded on the plan this season. Alexander-Arnold has played games as an out-and-out midfield player, with some important contributions.

It's something fans should expect more, too, as Conor Bradley is finally fit enough to play regularly at right-back. And so we'll see Bamford's words come to life a bit - Alexander-Arnold is asked to do 'a bit of everything' more and more. That ask is only going to become more and more common.

The Reds' right-back is a special player who impresses with both his technical ability and his versatility. We may not have even see him peak in the way he combines the two but it's coming.