David Beckham's verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks volumes after Roy Keane criticism

Football icon David Beckham has tipped Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as his modern-day counterpart in terms of playing style.

Despite ongoing scrutiny over Alexander-Arnold's defensive prowess from Roy Keane , nobody can deny the England right-back's exceptional talent with the ball at his feet — a quality he shares with Beckham's own legendary technique.

Thriving under Jurgen Klopp , Alexander-Arnold's offensive capabilities were vital to Liverpool's success, contributing significantly to their Champions League and Premier League victories and the haul of six additional trophies during Klopp's time in charge. While international glory hasn't followed for Trent yet, his prospects with England remain promising.

• Caoimhin Kelleher's time at Liverpool is nearly up, says Reds legend
• Trent Alexander-Arnold has Steven Gerrard example to follow as Real Madrid declare interest

Beckham, appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast , expressed his admiration for the defender, selecting him as the player who mirrors his own skillset best when it comes to delivery and passing.

"I suppose if there was one player where I look at and I think, 'he's very similar in the way he delivers the ball, he's very similar in the way he crosses the ball or passes', it has to be Trent," he shared with his ex-Manchester United colleague.

"In all honesty, I think he's an unbelievable [player] - his vision, he's unbelievable. And he's an exceptional player, but when I look at a player and I think I see myself in the way he puts the ball in, what he sees in the long balls that he plays, you know he plays balls that some players don't even think about and that's what I love about him as a player."

During the World Cup in Qatar, Beckham shared his wisdom on set-pieces with Alexander-Arnold, recounting the consistency mantra drummed into him by Sir Alex Ferguson: "When I was at United, Ferguson, the moment he saw me off a little bit, with either my run-up or the smoothness of kicking it, he'd pull me back in.

"So I just kept doing the same thing over and over again. Never changed it. Continuous. It's simple, but so important. But you're obviously doing it. Just keep doing whatever you're doing, because you can cross a ball!"

While Alexander-Arnold continues to shine at Anfield, rumors swirl about a potential move to Real Madrid, where he could potentially replace Dani Carvajal. His contract expiration looms at the end of this season, fuelling speculation that the Spanish giants may be poised to nab him as Carvajal's successor in the summer.