Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold and claimed the right-back is a ‘brilliant’ player.

Irwin, a seven-time Premier League winner, knows a thing or two about full-backs. He is widely regarded among the best in that position during the Premier League era and was comfortable operating on either the right or left flank during his playing days.

Alexander-Arnold is held in similarly high esteem, albeit for very different reasons. While Irwin was an industrious worker and tough tackler, the Liverpool right-back’s best qualities come in possession. Few in Premier League history have been able to deliver a cross like Alexander-Arnold, and speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, Irwin said there’s a similarity between him and David Beckham.

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Asked for opinion on Alexander-Arnold, the Irishman replied: “Brilliant. I think he’s David Beckham-esque in his delivery, you’ve got to say that. If you’re looking at the full picture as well, you know as a full-back, you can see the whole picture and his delivery is as good as I’ve seen anybody in the game, it really is.”

While no-one questions Alexander-Arnold’s technical ability , his defending has come under the microscope repeatedly over the years. Irwin, though, doesn’t think it is a huge concern.

“You question that but that’s the modern-day full-back, isn’t it? United had kind of got at him last month, didn’t they in that kind of area.

“He should learn as you grow up and get better defensively but just in terms of attacking, he’s a modern-day full-back, isn’t he? He loves to go forward. And if you’re playing for anybody in the Premier League, you’ve got to be very comfortable on the ball now.”

Klopp also recently defended Alexander-Arnold, particularly in the wake of that disastrous performance against Manchester United at the start of the month.

“Trent — he could finally learn to defend,” the ex-Liverpool manager said during a press conference when he was unveiled as the new Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull. “I can't believe you all discuss this still. It is so poor.

“I am really happy that I am not part of it. I watched some press conferences where Arne Slot is getting asked and it is like 'they still don't understand.'. He didn't play well against Manchester United but if we made as much of a fuss when he does play well, then it would be really cool.”