There is no doubt that Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most highly-rated defenders in the world right now and the full-back is considered a transfer target for Real Madrid, while he tries to win the Premier League with Liverpool. But do Celtic have a player who is a better defender than the English international?
Trent has a lot of great qualities. He is arguably one of the best full-backs ever when it comes to his ability going forward.
But on the other hand, he has never been known for his game on the defensive side of things. In fact, when up against top-level opposition, we have seen him struggle in that aspect.
Alistair Johnston is someone who thrives when it comes to the defensive phase of the game. And the Celtic full-back has been hailed as someone who is a better defender than Trent.
Celtic told they've got a better defender than Trent Alexander-Arnold
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Peter Grant said while talking about Trent and Johnston on The Go Radio Football Show:
"If I ask you that question, Rob, then, on that, Stephen’s [McGinn] made a good point about the Premier League. I always think then, who are they playing against?
“So, if I say to Trent-Alexander, at the top team now in Liverpool, talking about going to Real Madrid, who do you think is a better defender? Trent-Alexander or Alistair Johnston?
“There’s your first question, and I think Alistair Johnston is a better defender. Better defender. That’s what I’m saying.
“A better defender, all day long. If I was saying I need a clean sheet to win this game, for us to win the league, and it’s between Trent-Alexander and Alistair Johnston. Who would I be putting it right back if I needed that clean sheet to win that game?
“All day long, Alistair Johnston."
In recent times, Johnston has been linked with a move away from Celtic as well, something that the fans won't want to see happen anytime soon. The Canadian international has established himself as a regular starter for the club since his arrival in the winter of 2023 as the replacement for Josip Juranovic.
This season, Johnston has added to his game going forward as well and is making a solid contribution in the final third of the pitch. So, it makes sense for clubs around Europe to have taken notice, especially on the back of his performances in the Champions League this season.
Johnston has been linked with Fulham and Ipswich Town recently. And one would expect more names to emerge as we get closer to the summer transfer window.