Trent Alexander-Arnold names the only player to ever ‘destroy’ him during a game… with the Liverpool star dragged off after 60 minutes during his first-ever appearance at Anfield

• The Liverpool full-back has revealed the toughest opponent he’s ever faced
• The player in question is now without a club despite Alexander-Arnold’s praise 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the toughest opponent he’s faced in his career and the answer will certainly shock you. 

The Liverpool defender has become known for his terrific attacking output from full-back over the years, after producing stunning displays for the Merseyside club. 

However, the 25-year-old has previously come under fire for his defensive abilities, such as when he was selected for England’s World Cup squad in Qatar last year. 

And now Alexander-Arnold has revealed which player he’s found it most difficult to defend against throughout his playing career – but it’s definitely not a name you’d expect.

Speaking to the Liverpool YouTube channel, he said: ‘I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the only player who ‘destroyed’ him on the pitch

The incident came back in 2016 during an Under-21 clash between Liverpool and Man City

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‘I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60 [minutes].

‘Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.

‘At that point, I’m thinking “this kid is going to be the best player in the world”. Because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.’

Barker came through the Manchester City academy before leaving the club to join Scottish giants Rangers in 2019 – following loan spells at Rotherham, Hibernian and Preston.

However, after failing to impress during his time in Scotland, Barker finds himself as a free agent in 2023 following short stints at Reading and Cypriot side Omonia. 

Barker, now 27, spent 11 years in the Manchester City academy and made one appearance for the first-team after coming on as a substitute for Bersant Celina in a 5–1 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

He also managed to represent England at U18, U19 and U20 level between 2013-16.  

Alexander-Arnold claimed Brandon Barker (L) was the hardest opponent he’s ever faced

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold recently made headlines after James Maddison jokingly attempted to wind-up the Liverpool defender while on England duty.

Maddison is known for his social media pranks and pulled off another one when he shared an image of him and Alexander-Arnold inside the gym at St George’s Park.

He captioned the snapshot: ‘still asking for a replay’ in a dig at Liverpool’s misery after their opening goal was disallowed in Tottenham’s recent win over the Reds and their subsequent calls for the controversial game to be replayed.

Luis Diaz’s strike was incorrectly ruled out for offside before Spurs went on to claim a last-minute 2-1 win over Liverpool.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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