Micah Richards has launched a strong defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold as England get set to begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday afternoon.
Alexander-Arnold was selected by Gareth Southgate for the 26-man England squad despite some calling for the Liverpool right-back to miss out on a spot.
And former Manchester City defender Richards is pleased the Reds' No.66 was picked as he praises the 'breath-taking' full-back.
READ MORE: David Moyes has just hinted at where Liverpool's transfer priority lies
READ MORE: Luis Suarez reveals Darwin Nunez 'mistakes' talks and makes exciting Liverpool prediction
The pundit never had any doubts over what Alexander-Arnold can do on a football pitch. Richards told the Daily Mail : “I hear people say ‘he can’t do this’ or ‘he can’t defend’. It’s strange. I never hear anyone really praise him for what he can do – and what he can do is breath-taking.
"He played a pass at Tottenham this month that was as good as I’ve ever seen. I’ve never lost faith in him. I’m delighted he’s in the squad because he improves it."
Ahead of the game against Iran, Alexander-Arnold has been speaking about the criticism he receives. He said : "I would say there has been a lot of spotlight on it," said the defender. "I’d say there’s been a massive magnifying glass on that aspect of my game and I would say, for me, obviously for any part of my game there are improvements to be made, and there are decisions I could have made better.
"There are instances where I could have defended a lot better. But, at the same time, there are instances where I have defended really well and that’s the way the game is.
"I think a lot of people like to shout about the mistakes and the ones I could have done better on, rather than the ones I’ve done well on. That’s just the way it is."
England's record goalscorer, former Everton and Manchester United Wayne Rooney, also has no doubts about Alexander-Arnold. Rooney said : "I’m really intrigued to see what Gareth Southgate does with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Personally, I would start him."
READ NEXT:
-
Steve Ballmer 'stance' on Liverpool sale emerges from new reports in USA
- Harvey Elliott may face anxious World Cup wait as England injury issue emerges
- How the 17 players loaned by Liverpool have fared this season as Tyler Morton takes chance
- 'Good to know' - Mohamed Salah's agent Ramy Abbas Issa makes Liverpool contract claim
-
How the nine players who left Liverpool permanently last summer have fared
