Gary Lineker's comments about Trent Alexander-Arnold and David Beckham speaks volumes

Gary Lineker has declared that Trent Alexander-Arnold is a better passer of the ball than David Beckham. Beckham is known as one of the game's greatest-ever playmakers. Manchester United's former number seven could split a defence with pinpoint accuracy or guide a free kick into the top corner from just about anywhere.

However, in recent years, Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold has displayed such imperious qualities on the ball that many have suggested he is the natural successor to the ex-England captain.

Match of the Day host Lineker is among them and believes the Reds star has it all. Speaking on the latest edition of The Rest is Football podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, he said: "I think just. Beckham is as good a crosser as I've ever seen, as is Trent. I just think Trent's range, like, the outside of the foot things and with both feet as well, left foot."

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While Alexander-Arnold has won a host of accolades by just 26, including the Premier League and Champions League, Beckham won six top-flight titles, two FA Cups and the European Cup in his time with the Red Devils. However, his ability has often been overshadowed by the celebrity brand he forged off the pitch, something Lineker was keen to address when weighing up the debate.

"Do you know what about David Beckham? I think he's actually slightly underrated as a footballer," he added. "He's been such a celebrity and his life, obviously, with Victoria, and they've become this kind of global superstar couple. I think sometimes you forget how good a player David Beckham was.

"He emerged after my career had finished. And I used to get asked if there's one player you'd like to play with from the current game, who would it be? And I always said Beckham because his crossing I would have scored so many goals with David Beckham. So it's a tough one."

Shearer believes Beckham is a better passer but hailed Alexander-Arnold's astounding ability. Richards agreed: "I would say Beckham, just," said the latter. "And the reason why I say that is, when you play midfield, you've got less time to make them passes, where Trent sometimes when he goes from the right back into midfield, is almost sort of playing as a quarterback."

Linker concluded: "Not much in it, but I might go Trent. Just, I think, just the all-around rage, the outside of the foot pass, the swerves. I think they're the best two English passes I've seen in the game, aside from probably (Former Tottenham and England player) Glenn Hoddle."

While pundits and fans are often eager to wax lyrical over the Liverpool man's ruthless ability from a set piece or his stunning delivery, perhaps the best endorsement is from Beckham himself. The 49-year-old tipped Alexander-Arnold as his modern-day heir apparent.

"I suppose if there was one player where I look at and I think, 'he's very similar in the way he delivers the ball, he's very similar in the way he crosses the ball or passes', it has to be Trent," Beckham told Rio Ferdinand on the former United defender's podcast.

"In all honesty, I think he's an unbelievable [player] - his vision, he's unbelievable. And he's an exceptional player, but when I look at a player and I think I see myself in the way he puts the ball in, what he sees in the long balls that he plays, you know he plays balls that some players don't even think about and that's what I love about him as a player."