Klopp names Trent Alexander-Arnold his best signing at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has transformed the fortunes of Liverpool Football Club. Since taking over in 2015, the German has arrested the slide the club was in. He has since led the Reds back to the top of both European and world football.

One of the primary factors that played a role in our rise is the superb recruitment that has taken place over the past few seasons. Liverpool have been almost flawless in recruiting players, who have gone on to fit the team like a glove.

Astute signings such as that of Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane are intermixed with bargains such as Joel Matip and Adrian. The club have also not been afraid to splash the cash on the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, augmenting a strong core.

Speaking on the Pure Football Podcast (h/t Mirror), Klopp has revealed who he considers as his best signing.

The description could be a misnomer considering the player he named was not signed by Liverpool from any other club. The star in question is academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“We didn’t have to buy him but Pep Lijnders my assistant brought him around and said: ‘He played No.6 [role] for me. He played full-back, he played right-wing, left-wing’.”

The local lad came through the ranks at the club before going on to establish himself as one of the best young players in world football today.

Klopp revealed that it was in fact his assistant, Pepijn Ljinders, who brought the player to his attention and revealed the youngster’s impressive versatility.

A multi-talented superstar

Although Trent’s talent was without question, there still remained a question mark about his fitness. The club continued to work on the aspect and the task was made easier with the keen interest shown by the player himself.

Although he made mistakes, he did not let it get to him and kept improving. Playing at right-back, Trent has made the position fashionable. In spite of being a part of a stingy back four, it is at the other end of the pitch that his talent shines bright.

A creative tour-de-force, Trent has redefined the role of a full-back in today’s game. He effectively functions as a playmaker while continuing to improve upon his defensive ability. To add to that, he is also an effective set-piece taker.

Just 21 and playing at right-back, he has made more Premier League assists than any other player in the last two seasons. The youngster, despite his age, is already a source of inspiration for the next wave of kids making the mark at Anfield.

Neco Williams, who has enjoyed an impressive breakout season, has spoken of how Liverpool’s number 66 is seen as an inspiration at the Liverpool academy.

“Trent was at the academy from a young age and he’s gone up through the ranks. Now he’s obviously one of the best right-backs in the world and he’s playing unbelievably.”

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Trent has made 125 appearances for Liverpool so far. He has scored an impressive six goals and 34 assists. The 21-year-old holds the record for most assists by a defender in a Premier League season with 12. Impressively, he has already equalled that tally this season with nine games remaining.

No kid may want to grow up as a Gary Neville, but there will sure as hell be quite a few who will want to emulate the Liverpool number 66.