Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has named forgotten former Reading FC player Brandon Barker as his ‘toughest opponent ever’.
In a surprising answer when asked who the toughest opponent he had faced was, Alexander-Arnold named Barker during the winger’s time with Manchester City u21s as his toughest opponent.
Barker had once been tipped as one the most promising youngsters in the academy system, but is currently without a club.
He joined Reading on a free transfer in February 2022 under the management of Paul Ince.
However, he failed to make an impression during his few months with the Royals and made just four Championship appearances as the club survived relegation from the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold was glowing of his praise for the winger, speaking about their battles as under 21s players and naming him as his toughest opponent.
He said: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for City.
“I was 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.”
The 28-year-old had numerous loan spells during his time at Man City, including spells with Rotherham United, Hibernian, Preston North End, Rangers and Oxford United.
Following a mix of injuries and struggles to find consistency, Barker has failed to live up to the high expectations that were set for him as a young prodigy in City’s academy.
He spent a season with Cypriot side Omania in 2022/23 and most recently made two appearances for League Two Morecambe. However, he now finds himself without a club.
