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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to break 44-year Liverpool record amid 'best ever' claim

Anfield legend Ian Callaghan has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold to surpass him and become Liverpool 's all-time record appearance holder.

The right-back, 23, made his debut in October 2016 - shortly after his 18th birthday - and has gone on to rack up 211 games for the Reds.

Alexander-Arnold is indispensable for Jurgen Klopp, so much so he has only missed three Premier League fixtures this season, one of which was due to illness and one due to injury.

That being said, the Englishman has a long way to go to catch Callaghan, who played an astonishing 857 games for Liverpool between 1960 and 1978.

The former midfielder, 79, is one of the greats of the Bill Shankly era and would also win two European Cups under his successor, Bob Paisley.

Will Trent Alexander-Arnold become Liverpool's all-time record appearance holder? Have your say in the comments!

Ian Callaghan won five First Division titles with Liverpool (Allsport UK/Allsport)

But while Callaghan is "very proud" to have represented Liverpool more times than any other player, he insists his 44-year record is "there to be broken" and "terrific" Alexander-Arnold would be a worthy heir.

"I don't think about it myself but obviously people mention it because it was a lot of games," Callaghan told the Liverpool Echo of his record.

"I'm very proud that I played that many games, very lucky that I wasn't injured an awful lot and very lucky that I was playing in successful teams to be picked. So yeah, I am very proud of it.

"Trent could overtake me, very much so. He's a terrific player and only young. Records are there to be broken so we shall see."

Callaghan's praise for Alexander-Arnold comes as Liverpool midfielder Fabinho tipped him to become the best right-back of all time.

Pointing out his teammate's remarkable creative ability while addressing reporters on Monday, the Brazilian said: "In the last part of the pitch he can always change the game, he can always find an assist.

"Sixteen assists is really impressive for a right-back. We still have three or four months to play, so this number will be high.

Trent Alexander-Arnold drew lavish praise from teammate Fabinho (Getty Images)

"When I see Trent play, it's really hard to find a right-back who plays like this, who looks more like a No. 8 or a No. 10 than a right-back.

"I hope he will continue to play like this, to play at a high level, because he can be one of the best right-backs in history - maybe the best. Hopefully he will keep playing like this."

Alexander-Arnold's latest assist came on Saturday as he set up Sadio Mane to score the winner in the Premier League victory over West Ham.

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