Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are Prem’s BEST ever full-backs, says Neville as he compares them to Carlos and Cafu
GARY NEVILLE has suggested that Liverpool pair Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are the best full-backs in Premier League history.
Neville, who played as a right-back at Manchester United, was very impressed with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson during the Reds' 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Sunday.
The footballer-turned-pundit can't remember two full-backs who have ever played as well as a pair as the Liverpool duo, whom he compared to legendary Brazilians Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
Carlos is remembered as one of football's greatest ever left-backs thanks to his stunning 11-year stint at Real Madrid and powerful left foot, while Cafu is also regarded as one of the best right-backs to ever play after a two decade spell at the top.
Between then they amassed a combined 267 caps for Brazil, won nine league titles, four Champions Leagues, two Copa Libertadores and a number of other major team and individual trophies.
They were also key men in two Copa America wins and the 2002 World Cup win.
Neville said on his : "Sometimes, during a game, you have to check yourself when you're involved in an emotional game like this as a co-commentator or commentator, you're mentioning them in the same breath as probably the two greatest full-backs I've ever seen, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
"For so many years they were the shining example. They transformed full-back play.
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"I know there had been attacking full-backs before, the Liverpool teams of the 70s, but when you think of them as being an attacker first, defender second, contributing to free-kicks, attacks, crosses, every part of the game. They made full-backs a prominent part of the team.
"They were exceptional, but these two… I don't think I've seen two full-backs play in the Premier League that are as good as these two as a pair. The way in which they combine on the pitch, the way they play the game, they're an absolute joy.
"Robertson with his consistency does everything well. Defends well, he's competitive - slightly too much at the end - but he scored a goal and set up a goal.
"Alexander-Arnold is an absolute phenomenon when it comes to the quality of his passing, his delivery. It's something I've never seen before from a full-back.
"It's like [Kevin] De Bruyne, it's [David] Beckham, it's [Steven] Gerrard, and they're attacking players. He's playing at right-back, it's the highest accolade I could pay him.
"The contribution these two make is unbelievable. It's bizarre to me. I grew up saying let the full-back have it. You can't let these two have it."
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