Former Arsenal defender Lauren has claimed that Hector Bellerin is superior to Trent Alexander-Arnold and should be considered the best full-back in English football.
Bellerin has been linked with a move away from the Gunners in the current transfer window, having spent a decade at the club after joining in 2011.
The Spaniard has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons but has remained part of Arsenal's plans under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
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Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is considered by many as the standout right-back in the top-flight, given his equally impressive defensive and creative play.
The Reds' right-back has registered 20 assists more than Bellerin since the 2016/17 Premier League season and boasts a better record for interceptions made, tackles won and big chances created (Alexander-Arnold has made 131 appearances during this period compared with Bellerin's 127).
But Lauren believes Bellerin leads the way in this department and is a cut above the rest at right-back.
"I like Bellerin, I think when he is fully fit he’s the best right-back in England," he told Gambling Deals.
"In my opinion, going forward, Bellerin is fantastic and he’s improved a lot defensively, but the injuries have stopped his progression. I would like to see him back at his best, because in my opinion he is the best right-back in English football.
"There’s Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, and a lot of available right backs at the moment, but, if I had to choose someone, I would choose Bellerin."
Previewing Liverpool's upcoming encounter with Chelsea, the former Premier League winner added that he expects Romelu Lukaku to get the better of Virgil van Dijk in their head-to-head battle on the pitch at Anfield.
"I'm desperate to see it," he said ahead of what's expected to be an intriguing match up.
"Lukaku has been a fantastic player during his spell in Italy, scoring so many goals. He’s strong and can play different roles in the opposition’s half. You can use him in getting out from the back in quick transition, you can play long balls when under pressure, and he isn’t selfish. In the final third he’s been providing passes to his teammates and is a fantastic all-round player.
"With Van Dijk, we saw that Liverpool are a different side when he’s playing. Both players have been fantastic for their clubs and it’s going to be a great battle to watch. If I have to give the edge to someone I would just give it to Lukaku, but only because Van Dijk is still coming back from injury that kept him out for a long while.
"You need time and games when coming back from this, whereas Lukaku has stayed fit and had a fantastic Euros. He still has the shape and sharpness required to be a top striker and play at the top level. So if I have to choose someone, it’d be Lukaku."
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