Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold for starting against Atalanta despite his recent recovery from a long-term injury
Jurgen Klopp highlighted the dedication of Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and his “insane” commitment to play despite recovering recently. Trent suffered a torn lateral knee ligament injury in January that sidelined him until the recent game against Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old returned to action as the Reds suffered some costly results that have proven costly to their season’s ambition. Liverpool won 0-1 against Atalanta in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals but suffered elimination from the competition.
They lost 0-3 at home in the first leg which proved costly as they failed to achieve a comeback. Despite scoring an early goal from a Mohamed Salah penalty which Trent won, Liverpool failed to create good chances.
Salah had an opportunity to score a second goal in the first half with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Unfortunately, the Egypt captain’s poor form in front of the goal continued as he lobbed the ball far from the goal.
Liverpool struggled to create strong goalscoring opportunities and their only threat arrived from Trent and Alexis Mac Allister. Klopp substituted Trent in the 72nd minute for Joe Gomez to protect the England international from suffering another injury.
During his post-match interview (h/t Mirror), Klopp highlighted the drivenness of Trent despite recently returning from his lengthy injury period. He said:
“It was really tricky and we were too hasty in moments. If Trent Alexander-Arnold had been a bit fitter we could have gone a bit longer, but it is insane that he has even played! In the end he was running out of gas.”
Trent dominated the first half with his creative skills and showed why he is the best playmaker in the team. The 25-year-old is gradually transitioning into a more central midfield role and has made a compelling case this season.
More Liverpool news
- Ligue 1 star Jean-Clair Todibo chose Barcelona over Liverpool in 2019
- Liverpool ace gives his verdict on expectations as Klopp nears exit door
- Liverpool set to rival Arsenal for Bundesliga defender with 39 appearances this season
With Klopp stepping back from the managerial role and a new successor incoming, Trent will likely permanently transition into a central midfielder. However, the Liverpool vice-captain first needs to make sure that his team finishes the season strongly in the Premier League.
