England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a fixture at right back for Liverpool since his teenage years, winning numerous titles including the Premier League and Champions League. The variety of passes from his right foot is among the best in the world.
The 25-year-old defender, who is often criticized for his defensive play, became accustomed to playing in midfield last season as a false sideback and is increasingly used as a midfielder for the national team.
This season, he has been named vice-captain of his club, and his career is moving into a new phase.
When asked about the most difficult player he has faced in his career who did not make it to the top, he named the former Manchester City winger.
“I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City.”
“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.”
Liverpool’s YouTube channel
While Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the Premier League’s best players, Brandon Barker’s career has been full of twists and turns.
After loan spells at Rotherham, NAC Breda, Hibernian, and Preston, he failed to make it into City’s first team and moved to Rangers in 2019.
However, he didn’t stand out in Scotland either, and a loan move to Oxford along the way didn’t help, leaving him unattached from January to February 2022.
He signed a contract with Reading, but joined Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) after six months of play.
At 27 years old, he is still without a club and may soon retire from professional life.