Virgil van Dijk: Trent Alexander-Arnold is the complete package
Virgil Van Dijk has weighed into the debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position by proclaiming his Liverpool team-mate as the complete package.
Alexander-Arnold delivered another reminder of his attacking talents as he got forward to strike a fine equaliser for the Reds in Saturday's 1-1 draw at champions Manchester City.
The 25-year-old right-back had spent a lot of a tight Premier League encounter in defensive mode, trying to contain City’s tricky Belgium winger Jeremy Doku.
It was a sweet moment for Alexander-Arnold after plenty of debate over the past fortnight over whether or how he can fit into the England team.
Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, said: "I think everyone this season, as a defender, one v one against Doku will have a tough afternoon. He’s a very good dribbler.
"But I don’t think he had a tough afternoon on the whole. It’s how you defend them together and try to get two v one in situations and, in the end, I’m pleased for him that he got the equaliser.
"He offers a lot defensively and, obviously in possession, he has qualities that are very special and he shows that as well, so he has the complete package.
"He has to keep doing what he’s doing, keep improving, keep that high standard he has for himself and we all have for him as well."
Alexander-Arnold has expanded his game over the past year, not only playing as a conventional attacking full-back but also in a hybrid defence-central midfield role.
His recent England outings against Malta and North Macedonia were also in midfield and Van Dijk admits he does not know where he will ultimately end up.
"I don’t know, that’s for the coaches that work with him," said the centre-back. "I think for the moment he’s playing just fine where he is right now.
"He has