Going to be a legend': Rio Ferdinand says it's clear that Liverpool have a 'ridiculously gifted footballer'

Not everything is going Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way right now. At a time when Liverpool are struggling to keep teams at bay, the right-back is finding himself exposed against runs in behind.

We saw that again as the Reds hosted Ajax on Tuesday night. The Dutch broke down Liverpool’s press, created some space on Liverpool’s right and got in behind Alexander-Arnold. Then came the inevitable goal.

But while defensive struggles continue, the right-back did offer a reminder of his attacking talents. A wonderful cut-back in the box produced a fine save, while Alexander-Arnold was unlucky not to worry the goalkeeper with a 25-yard volley. A sweeping cross-field pass in the second half opened the game up for a Luis Diaz attack, too.

And it’s skill like that which has Rio Ferdinand in awe of the Scouser. He told BT Sport at half-time that Liverpool had a ‘ridiculously gifted’ player who was going to be a legend.

“We’re talking about a right-back. You never talked about right-backs before but they’re so important now,” said Ferdinand. “And he’s a ridiculously gifted footballer. There aren’t many – if any – around the world, other than Reese James, who give you that output up front in those forward areas that he gives you.

“And listen, this kid is going to be a legend in the game for years to come. But there are areas in his game that he needs to tighten up but that’s part of being a footballer.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to be a legend

There isn’t much doubt that Alexander-Arnold will be a legend of the game when all is said and done. He’s lifted every major trophy at club level – and played a key role in each – despite the fact he won’t turn 24 until next month. Few players can say that.

And Alexander-Arnold can point to the individual awards and the records, too. He’s not a passenger – far from it – and it’s a shame that Liverpool’s structure is failing right now.

When he’s that aggressive as a defender, a breakdown like this will expose him. That’s just inevitable and Alexander-Arnold may need to adjust in some way – even if just temporarily.

What is certain, though, is that Liverpool have a special player who will go down in the history books.