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Trent Alexander-Arnold was left in awe of a Liverpool legend who he called the closest player to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alexander-Arnold has played with some of the best in the world at Liverpool, including Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Virgil van Dijk but only one has compared to Ronaldo.

Alexander-Arnold compared Mane to Ronaldo during his time at Liverpool
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Alexander-Arnold compared Mane to Ronaldo during his time at LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated Press

While speaking to Manchester United legend Gary Neville on Sky Bet's The Overlap podcast, the Reds defender revealed what it was like to face Sadio Mane in training, comparing him to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Alexander-Arnold said: "He is the one player I've always thought that I am thankful I never had to play against.

"He was a perfect attacker, he had everything as an athlete.

"Probably, in the end, similar to Ronaldo I would say. He had the jump, he could get up, he was fast, he could finish.

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"Probably wasn't the same finisher [as Ronaldo] but he could finish with both of his feet, he was just a threat at all times."

Neville nodded in agreement, as someone who knows all about Ronaldo having played with him for six years at United.

During that time period, the Portuguese superstar won the Champions League and Ballon d'Or in 2008, as well as three Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup.

He scored 118 times in 292 appearances, including a whopping 31 times in 34 Premier League appearances in 2007/08.

Ronaldo had an incredible six years at United in his first stint at the club
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Ronaldo had an incredible six years at United in his first stint at the clubCredit: Getty
Ronaldo and Mane now partner one another at Al Nassr
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Ronaldo and Mane now partner one another at Al NassrCredit: Getty

Mane had a brilliant six years at Liverpool himself, scoring 120 times in 269 appearances and winning the Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The Senegal international formed arguably the deadliest attack in Europe alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino, striking fear into most defences.

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Many Liverpool fans regard the forward as a club legend, helping take the Reds to a new level after joining in 2016 from Southampton and as a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp's attacking football.

Coincidentally, Mane and Ronaldo are now teammates together at Al Nassr and partner one another up front.

Mane has bagged 15 goals and nine assists this season for the Saudi Pro League side in all competitions, while Ronaldo has 36 goals and 12 assists.

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