Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Getty
Topics: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dele Alli, England, Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Luke Davies
Topics: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dele Alli, England, Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed who his toughest opponent in England training has been – and it may not be who you’d expect.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, is arguably one of the best players in his position and currently sports Club World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup (x2) medals since making his debut for the Reds in October 2016.
During his trophy-laden career, the Liverpudlian has faced several world-class players, having played in three Champions League finals, the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2024.
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The defender has competed against the likes of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as well as playing alongside Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham for the Three Lions.
But it was a player who is currently without a club who he put above them all after Bellingham had named Kyle Walker as his toughest opponent in England training earlier in the conversation.
“I would say Dele (Alli),” Alexander-Arnold told the Lions’ Den podcast on England's official YouTube channel in July 2024.
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“My first few camps, when I was younger, and he was at the top of his game at that time.”
"He was untouchable," he added.
Dele, 28, has been without a club since his Everton contract expired in June 2024, but he has never really put together a consistent run of good form since he left Spurs in January 2022.
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The MK Dons academy graduate crossed paths with Alexander-Arnold at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, starting in the 2-1 semi-final loss against Croatia.
Dele made an appearance on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show in April 2024 and was fairly vocal about wanting to return to the top of his game.
"I spoke about it in my interview and don't want to go over it too much again – but I know my level as a player and what I can get to," he said.
"It's hard for me to even watch football. It's been tough for me, I'd say, this past eight months has been hard to watch."
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"You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, 'World Cup 2026'" he added.
"That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, 'he hasn't played in a year,' but I don't care, I know my level.”