Gary Neville has argued former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin remains the greatest full-back in Premier League history, ranking him ahead of Liverpool duo Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Irwin spent 12 years at Old Trafford between 1990 and 2002, winning seven Premier League titles, and is regarded as one of the unsung heroes of the Red Devils' golden era.
The role of the full-back has since evolved, with a greater emphasis placed on attacking play, a position Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have made their own since becoming first-team players at Anfield.
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Both players have played a key role in the Reds enjoying success both domestically and on a European front, utilising their remarkable passing range to spark counter-attacking moves for Jurgen Klopp's side. Robertson broke the record for the most Premier League assists by a defender after setting up Mohamed Salah's opener in a 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Boxing Day and Alexander-Arnold is hot on his heels in the all-time assists.
After being nominated for the 2023 Premier League Hall of Fame 15-man shortlist, Neville agreed with a supporter who questioned why Irwin had been overlooked. "Denis is the best full back in PL history! Fact," tweeted the Sky Sports pundit and Salford City co-owner.
Responding to this claim, a Liverpool fan fired back: "Neville on a wind up. Irwin wouldn't stand a chance under a Klopp or Pep...having to defend, attack, create and assist, sorry but none better than Robbo or Trent."
"You didn’t watch him play then? Questioned Neville. "Denis would play full back in any team of theirs! Left or Right! He didn’t give goals away, didn’t give the ball away, brilliant going forward and could take set pieces to the equal of most!"
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