2017/18:
Any Liverpool fan would agree, in recent years, our defensive capabilities have let us down in our pursuit of success and trophies. So, when first team right-back, Nathaniel Clyne suffered a potentially season-threatening injury and back-up, Joe Gomez needing time to rehabilitate, it seemed as though it was about to get worse. However, a natural central midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold was gifted his official first team debut against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup at right back, looking to impress.
The Liverpool faithful were soon to forget about the injury woes and began to focus on the exciting prospect of the academy graduate taking the league by storm. His first goal for the club, I will never forget, as Trent stepped up to the dead ball my gut was telling me ‘this is going in’. Low and behold, a dream start to the season, scoring an important, yet wonderful free-kick to open Liverpool’s Champions League account. At just 19 years old, his defensive ability and composure on the ball portrayed that of an experienced first-team regular; looking increasingly better, week in, week out. Jurgen Klopp displayed his faith in Alexander-Arnold by giving him the starting position in the majority of Champions League games. Subsequently, Trent Alexander-Arnold is now Liverpool’s youngest ever player to appear in a Champions League knockout match.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Future:
Showing the fans his passion and ‘leave it all on the pitch’ mentality, Trent soon became a fan favourite; mirroring the prospective talent one Steven Gerrard showed at a young age. Gerrard has even had his say on the youngster, “He has the right attitude and seems to have all the attributes you need“, later going on to say “Trent has a terrific chance of making it as a top professional“. Now, that alone should be the motivation required to drive him to make a name for himself at Liverpool. Along with the support from one of the most established managers in maximizing player development, Jurgen Klopp, who has proved in the past he can transform good players into world beaters under his management. Especially for the upcoming season, having made the final England World Cup squad and there being growing competition for places, there is a lot of expectation looming over Trent; only time will tell how he handles this.
The Liverbird 