Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold names former Rangers player as his toughest ever opponent
Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has named former Rangers winger Brandon Barker as his toughest ever opponent.
Barker started his career at Manchester City and, after a series of spells out on loan, joined Rangers in August 2019.
The 27-year-old did not make the biggest of impacts at Ibrox, but Alexander-Arnold will not forget him in a hurry.
Asked to name the toughest opponent he has faced, Alexander-Arnold told Liverpool’s YouTube channel (10 October): “I would say Brandon Barker, who played for Manchester City.
“I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60 minutes.
“Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.
“At that point, I’m thinking ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’. Because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”
Surprising choice
Barker spent two-and-a-half years on Rangers’ books before leaving by mutual consent in January 2022.
Across two seasons in the Scottish Premiership, the former England U20 international registered three goals in 16 appearances.
That includes a goal on his league debut against Livingston, at which point it looked like the Gers might have had a real gem on their hands.
As can often be the case with talented youngsters, though, Barker’s career simply did not go in the direction many would have expected.
The Man City academy player is currently without a club following his exit from Omonia Nicosia at the end of last season.
It was ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon who took him to Cyprus, so clearly he saw something in Barker, having also worked together at Hibernian.
Barker may well get his career back on track, but if not, at least he can lay claim to still living rent free in Alexander-Arnold’s head.
In other Rangers news, Alex McLeish has given his thoughts on the man who is favourite to take over at Ibrox.