Trent Alexander-Arnold Reveals Toughest Winger He Faced in His Career
Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold recently took part in the club’s ‘We Are Liverpool’ podcast to kick off season two, in an in-depth interview alongside Jan Molby. During the podcast, Alexander-Arnold was asked to name the best player he faced that people wouldn’t know about, and his answer may have gone forgotten.
The right-back opted for an opponent from his academy days, Brandon Barker. Alexander-Arnold recalled his experience playing against Barker in his first ever U21s match at Anfield, where Barker scored two goals and had an assist. Alexander-Arnold was so impressed by Barker’s performance that he thought he would be the best player in the world.
Who is Brandon Barker?
Brandon Barker is a 27-year-old winger who has played for nine different clubs in his career. He started his career at Manchester City, where he made one appearance for their first team in the FA Cup in 2016. After loan spells at Rotherham, NAC Breda, Hibernian and Preston, he moved permanently to Rangers. Steven Gerrard described him as a player who could “open the door” for his side in the final third.
Barker then had a short-term deal with Reading at the start of 2022, before heading to Cyprus to join Omonia that summer. However, after Neil Lennon was sacked as Omonia manager soon after, Barker agreed to terminate his contract with the club in August, after just over a year.
The Challenges of Establishing Yourself at a Top Club
Barker is now a free agent, with 156 senior appearances to his name across nine different clubs, scoring 15 goals and assisting 15. His career path is one many players of his ilk have followed, particularly after being touted as the next great young talent breaking through.
Alexander-Arnold’s experience shows how difficult it can be to establish yourself at a top club. Despite being highly talented, Barker was unable to make a lasting impression at any of the clubs he played for. It remains to be seen if Barker will receive interest in his services back in England or Scotland, but Alexander-Arnold’s story serves as a reminder of how challenging it can be to make it at the top level.