Patrick Van Aanholt Believes Aaron Wan-Bissaka Is Better Than Trent Alexander-Arnold

Patrick van Aanholt believes Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a better player than fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

England have two brilliant options on the right side of defence for years to come, with both bringing something very different to the table.

Alexander-Arnold, who has 14 assists in the Premier League this term, is already being talked about as one of the best attacking full-backs in recent years - while Wan-Bissaka's ability to defend one-vs-one situations is incredible.

Image: PA

Despite being two distinctly different players, the two are regularly compared to one another.

And Van Aanholt, who played with Wan-Bissaka at Crystal Palace, rates the Manchester United defender higher than Alexander-Arnold - believing he's much more difficult for opposition wingers to play against.

Image: PA

"Better than Alexander-Arnold? Without a shadow of doubt," the Dutchman told the Counter Attack podcast when asked about Wan-Bissaka, via Goal.

"They are different players. Defensively, Aaron is unbelievable, better than Trent.

"Yes, Trent has got his attacking and his corners, his right foot. But if you ask Wilf [Zaha] who he would want to play against, every other day, Trent or Wan-Bissaka, I think he will say Trent.

"I have got respect for Trent, because he does everything with his assists and he is great, but defensively, just ask Sterling how good Wan-Bissaka is.

"It is a problem, and he will switch. He is one of the best right-backs, I think he could be, his attacking is good, but he needs more goals or assists to his name.

"Defending comes first, but in the modern game, you need to attack, and at United, you get more of the ball, so go forward and show what you have got, but he has been doing good."

If you merged the pair together, taking their best qualities, then you'd genuinely have the perfect right-back for the modern game.

Image: PA

Last week Alexander-Arnold was voted into SPORTbible's Premier League Team of the Season with 70.6% votes, with Wan-Bissaka a notable nomination after an impressive campaign.

Topics: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Football News, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Football, Manchester United, Crystal Palace

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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