Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left in awe of a Liverpool legend who he called the closest player to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Alexander-Arnold played with some of the world’s best at Liverpool, including Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Virgil van Dijk, but only one compared him to Ronaldo.
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Speaking to Manchester United legend Gary Neville on Sky Bet’s The Overlap podcast, the Reds defender revealed what it was like to face Sadio Mane in training, comparing him to the five-time Ballon d’winner ‘Gold.
Alexander-Arnold said: “He’s the one player I always think I’m grateful I never had to play against.
“He was a perfect striker, he had everything as an athlete.
“Probably, ultimately, similar to Ronaldo, I would say. He had the jump, he could get up, he was quick, he could finish.
“He probably wasn’t the same finisher (as Ronaldo), but he could finish with both feet, he was just a threat at all times.”
Neville nodded, knowing all about Ronaldo having played with him for six years at United.
During this period, the Portuguese superstar won the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or in 2008, as well as three Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
He has scored 118 times in 292 matches, including 31 times in 34 Premier League matches in 2007/08.
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Mané himself enjoyed a brilliant six years at Liverpool, scoring 120 times in 269 appearances and winning the Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
The Senegal international formed arguably Europe’s deadliest attack alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino, striking fear into most defenses.
Many Liverpool fans regard the striker as a club legend, helping the Reds reach a new level after joining the club in 2016 from Southampton and as a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking football.
Coincidentally, Mane and Ronaldo are now teammates at Al Nassr and partner up front.
Mané has 15 goals and nine assists this season for the Saudi Pro League side in all competitions, while Ronaldo has 36 goals and 12 assists.
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