Stuart Pearce has claimed that one Liverpool star is ‘very similar’ to England and Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle.
Liverpool have plenty of players in action at Euro 2024 today, with the Netherlands and England kicking off their tournaments.
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are expected to start from off against Poland while Trent Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield.
Much has been about Alexander-Arnold’s best position ahead of the tournament, with Roy Keane recently claiming the right-back will get ‘ripped to shreds’ in midfield against the top sides.
There’s no doubt that the 25-year-old is among England’s most talented players but Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma over his place in the side.
But ahead of England’s opener against Serbia this evening, Stuart Pearce has compared the Liverpool star to Glenn Hoddle.
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Pearce compares Trent to England legend Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle was renowned for his ability on the ball during his years with the likes of Tottenham, Monaco and Chelsea.
Despite his undoubted qualities, he racked up just 53 caps for England during his 22-year career.
And Pearce has told talkSPORT that he can see similarities between Hoddle and Trent, particularly when it comes to their ability to create a moment of magic.
“Dec can do a bit of everything. I think even on the show tonight we might even talk about if there is a role in this tournament for Declan to play further up the pitch like he does for Arsenal,” the former England full-back said.
“I think he can offer a lot more but the balance has got to be right and if he’s got Trent in there, getting the balance right, he’s got to be the quarterback with his passing range.
“I probably liken him to, when I first broke into the England squad, Glenn Hoddle.
“Glenn probably had one or two question marks about his defensive work but what he could do with the ball at his feet was magnificent – Trent is very similar.”
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Trent set for huge opportunity vs Serbia
Should things go well for Alexander-Arnold this evening, he could secure his spot alongside Rice in midfield.
The Liverpool star has played in an inverted full-back role in the Premier League frequently since the turn of the year.
Of course, playing in midfield will be a slightly different task for the Englishman but he certainly has the ability to adjust.
With the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton waiting in the wings, Alexander-Arnold will be eager to prove he’s the man to partner Rice in the middle of the park.