Gary Neville has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold’s improved defending this season, having previously urged the Liverpool star to focus on that side of his game.

The right-back has helped the Reds to a strong position as they head into 2025. They hold an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League following Sunday’s 5-0 win over West Ham - in which Alexander-Arnold scored - while a place in the Champions League last 16 is all-but secure and a Carabao Cup semi-final awaits in the New Year.

Although doubts remain over his future at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold has earned more plaudits for his performances this season, and in particular for his defensive efforts. Arne Slot has been working hard with the 26-year-old since arriving as head coach to improve on that side of the game.

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Alexander-Arnold has faced regular criticism for his defensive efforts during his career, particularly from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane. Neville though has been impressed with his performances this season, even naming the Reds vice-captain in his team of the season so far.

“I think his defending has improved a lot,” Neville told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. “He’s not perfect and I don’t think he ever will be. But I think he has got a better intensity and attitude to his defending right now, than I have seen previously. In the last 12 months, he has improved enormously.

“We talk about Mo Salah and what he produces on that right-hand side, but what Trent Alexander-Arnold produces from behind him is remarkable.”

Neville’s comments come two years after he urged Alexander-Arnold to improve the defensive side of his game. With doubts at the time over whether he would make England’s World Cup squad, the former United captain insisted the Liverpool academy graduate could become one of the world’s best ever right-backs, but insisted he needed to work on his game.

"No full-back that I've ever seen in this country can do what he can do," Neville told Sky Sports.

"So, if he can just work on those basic [defensive] things and get consistency, we won't just have one of the best attacking right-backs this country has ever produced, we will probably have the best right-back the world has ever produced.”

Neville added: "I think Trent has to work on his defending. I said it a few years ago that there was a lack of seriousness in his defending and there was a lack of alertness. At some point in his career, it will hold him back."