It was a dream come true season for the young and talented Trent Alexander-Arnold as he broke into the first team under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. A decade after peeking through the cracks in the Melwood wall in order to watch Steven Gerrard train, the 18-year-old full-back had a much better view of his idol at the ANZ Stadium when Liverpool took on Sydney FC in a post-season friendly game.
The young starlet seems to have relished, what was an opportunity of a lifetime for a boy like him – playing alongside an idol who he grew up watching.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a lot of things to share about that golden moment in his life, and he seems excited about what happened.
He told the Liverpool Echo,
“As a kid I always said that my dream was to play in a game with Stevie. I thought that chance had passed to be honest, especially with him retiring last year. I know it wasn’t a competitive game but I’ll take it anyway. It was brilliant to have him as a team-mate and I’ll tick that one off my list.”
The duo linked up well at times during the first half as Alexander-Arnold showcased his energy and athleticism down the right flank. Arnold was at ease playing along with Gerrard and he also shared his experience of watching Gerrard’s trademark pass.
“That iconic pass Stevie does – I used to watch that week in week out. To be on the receiving end of a couple of those was a privilege. Every kid growing up in Liverpool tried to emulate that kind of Steven Gerrard pass.”
The youngster got the chance to get a glance of the Liverpool legend when Gerrard was coaching the under-16s at the Academy while working towards getting his coaching badges two years ago. Stevie has been a mentor to the youth players ever since and Alexander-Arnold believes the Kop legend will prove to be a big hit when he takes charge of Liverpool Under-18s this summer.
He added: “He’s given me some great advice over the course of the season. He said he’s always there for me if I need to ask him anything. That’s great to know. He’s such an important figure and has a vital role at the club now. Everyone looks up to him. I don’t think you’ll find anyone at the Academy who doesn’t look up to Steven Gerrard. He’s the perfect role model, on and off the pitch. To have him in a full-time role at Kirkby is incredible for the Academy and I can only see more success coming from there.”
Alexander-Arnold has really earned Klopp’s trust and made 12 appearances, registering an assist as well. While the youngster has caught everyone’s attention, he seems to be grounded and focused on what is to come in the future.
There is every possibility of Klopp bolstering the squad by adding some big players, especially with Champions League football on the cards. However, Trent seems to be aware of the heavy competition that might arise and says that he is looking forward to the new season.
He added: “I never expected it to go as well as it did. I’m grateful and happy for the opportunities and the faith the manager showed in me. I can only say thank-you to him and hopefully I’ve proved to him that I deserved those chances he gave me. I am over the moon with this season and I’m already looking forward to next season starting.”
Hopefully, the young lad continues to rise and establish himself as a regular at Liverpool. Yet another Liverpool legend in the making? We’ll have to wait and watch the play unfold.
Do you think Trent Alexander-Arnold has what it takes to make it big at Anfield?
