Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in the world.
While questions are often posed about the Liverpool vice-captain’s defensive ability, he has certainly improved this very facet of his game and is well capable of giving wingers a tough time.
Manchester City themselves have experienced Alexander-Arnold put in one of the best defensive shifts of his career up against an in-form Leroy Sane when the Reds won 3-0 during the Champions League in 2018. However, like any full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold has had his off days as well.
During Manchester City’s recent 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold had a forgettable outing up against Jeremy Doku — with the England international being dribbled past (six) more times than any player in the Premier League this season.
But Doku is just one of the many world-class dribbles the Champions League winner has come up against.
Trent Alexander-Arnold named Brandon Barkey as his most difficult opponent
Alexander-Arnold has played against the likes of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to name a few — three wide players who caused him plenty of problems as well.
However, neither one of the three is the toughest opponent the 26-year-old has come up against in his career.
Manchester City academy product Brandon Barker, who left the club in 2019 is the most difficult player Alexander-Arnold has ever faced — as he revealed in 2023.
Alexander-Arnold said on the We Are Liverpool podcast: “Brandon Barker, played for City.”
“I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time, Anfield, got beat 3-0. I think he scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60 [minutes] and it was like, still to this day the opponent that I think just destroyed me, man. I have never had it like that before.”
Alexander-Arnold even admitted that after being demolished by Barker, he expected the former Manchester City winger to go on and become the best player in the world.
“At that point, I’m thinking, ‘This kid is going to be the best player in the world’. Because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”
Where is former Man City wonderkid Brandon Barker now?
Barker joined the Manchester City academy at the tender age of eight.
Much like Phil Foden, the City academy graduate was also technically gifted and left-footed who seemed destined for a first-team berth as well.
In 2016, Barker did make his first and only appearance for his boyhood club by coming on as a substitute against Chelsea in Manchester City’s 5-1 defeat under Manuel Pellegrini. But the-then youngster never kicked on and left the Sky Blues three years later.
Since then, Barker has become a bit of a journeyman.
- Manchester City (2015-2019)
- Rotherham United (Loan, 2015)
- NAC Breda (Loan, 2016-2017)
- Hibernian (Loan, 2017-2018)
- Preston North End (Loan, 2018-2019)
- Rangers (2019-2022)
- Oxford United (Loan, 2021)
- Reading (2022)
- Omonia (2022-2023)
- Morecambe (2024)
- Avro (2025-)
Loan spells to Rotherham United, NAC Breda, Hibernian and Preston North End followed before the once-gifted wideman left Manchester City to join Rangers. During his three-season spell at Scotland as well, Barker went on loan to Oxford United and after his departure, loves to Reading, Omonia and Morecambe were in his destiny.
Now, Barker, 28 is playing for Oldham-based side Avro in the Northern Premier League Division One West and while he did not live up to his potential, giving Alexander-Arnold the most unforgettable poor game of his career is a feat he can always brag about.
