Trent Alexander-Arnold names forgotten former Reading FC man as ‘toughest opponent ever’

Trent Alexander-Arnold names forgotten former Reading FC man as ‘toughest opponent ever’

Brandon Barker, a forgotten former Reading FC player, has been dubbed the “toughest opponent ever” by Liverpool sensation Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold had an unexpected response when asked who the hardest opponent he has ever faced was: Barker, when the winger was with the Manchester City u21s.

Barker, who is currently without a club, was previously considered to be one of the most promising young players in the academy system.

In February 2022, he signed a free transfer to Reading, where he was managed by Paul Ince.

But in his brief time with the Royals, he did not leave a lasting impression, as he only made four Championship appearances as the team avoided Championship relegation in the 2021–2022 season.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, was ecstatic with his accolades for the winger, describing him as his hardest opponent and discussing their struggles as under-21 players.

“I would say Brandon Barker, played for City,” he stated.

“I lost 3-0 while playing for the Under-21s for the first time at Anfield.

He received an assist and scored two goals. At 60 minutes, I left.

“He’s still the opponent who, in my opinion, completely destroyed me, man.”It has never been that way for me. “This kid is going to be the best player in the world,” I think at that moment. because I had never witnessed someone move that swiftly, deftly, and efficiently.

After a string of injuries and inconsistent play, Barker has fallen short of the high standards set for him as a young prodigy in City’s academy. The 28-year-old had multiple loan stints during his time at Man City, including stints with Rotherham United, Hibernian, Preston North End, Rangers, and Oxford United. He most recently made two appearances for League Two Morecambe and spent a season with Cypriot team Omania in 2022–2023.