Trent Alexander-Arnold names ex-Man City starlet who he thought was 'going to be the best player in the world'

Trent Alexander-Arnold has come up against some of the very best in the world, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.

But the Liverpool right-back named a former Manchester City prospect as his toughest opponent who "never made it".

Alexander-Arnold came through the ranks at his boyhood club and has gone on to make 344 appearances, winning both the Premier League and Champions League.

In games against City, he's had to deal with a whole host of tricky customers - including the likes of Jeremy Doku, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling.

But it was a relatively unknown quantity who the England international admitted "destroyed" him in youth games against City. In an interview for Liverpool's YouTube channel, Alexander-Arnold recalled coming up against Brandon Barker, who gave him a torrid time in an Under 21's clash at Anfield and had him thinking he was "going to be the best player in the world".

He admitted that no-one has ever given him the runaround since that game.

"I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City," Alexander Arnold stated.

"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.

"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."

Brandon Barker was singled out by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Image: Getty

Barker, an electric left winger, was well-rated at City and signed a professional contract in July 2014.

But he only made just one appearance in the first-team, coming on as a substitute for a youthful City side in a 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2016.

He spent time on loan at Rotherham United, NAC Breda, Hibernian and Preston North End before signing permanently for Rangers in 2019.

Barker later turned out for Oxford United, Reading, Omonia and Morecambe before ended up without a club after a short-term deal came to an end.

He is now back playing again, signing for Non-League side Avro FC, who play in Northern Premier League Division One West.

The club announced his deal on Friday, saying: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Brandon Barker. Brandon brings a wealth of league experience after featuring for clubs such as Man City, Hibernian and Rangers. His experience and quality will add attacking power up front for The Ro. Welcome to Avro, Brandon!".