Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is better than Achraf Hakimi.
The ‘battle’ between the two needs to be stopped right now, because it’s clear Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold is the far superior player.
Borussia Dortmund man Achraf Hakimi does have his positive attributes, clearly, but that doesn’t mean he is anywhere near the player Alexander-Arnold is.
Why Hakimi relies a lot on his searing pace, which is a major asset, the contribution Trent makes to the side is far more nuanced and valuable.
His passing game is phenomenal and puts many midfielders to shame. TAA can switch the ball from right to left and land it on the head of a pin and in many ways that move is the fulcrum for a lot of Liverpool attacks.
Yes, Hakimi has got 10 assists for Dortmund this season, but they are coming at an unsustainable rate. His xA is hovering at just over five, which tends to show a side who are scoring goals in a manner that won’t stand the test of time.
Alexander-Arnold has also created far more clear-cut chances, second only to Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne in the Premier League, which underlines his immense value to Jurgen Klopp and to the side.
Teams often think that Liverpool have a weak link, defensively, in Alexander-Arnold, yet at one point the team let in one goal in 10 games. Yes, Hakimi does have the pace to get back when caught out of position, but that hasn’t contributed to the side’s solidity as a whole.
Klopp has created an excellent defensive unit that allows Alexander-Arnold to use his full range of gifts without needing to consider the balance of the side first. In fact, he’s one of the men who give the side balance.
Hakimi is a good player. He’s quick, direct, an excellent modern full-back. But Alexander-Arnold is so far ahead it’s not far to try and compare the two.