Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold to become 'top, top player'
The youngster scored a superb free-kick in Liverpool’s Champions League first-leg victory over Hoffenheim on Tuesday night
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Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold to become “a top, top player” after impressing in Tuesday night’s Champions League play-off against Hoffenheim.
The youngster opened the scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 first-leg victory with a superb free-kick 10 minutes before the break before James Milner clinched what turned out to be the winner.
In Philippe Coutinho’s absence, the 18-year-old academy product stepped up to deliver after Sadio Mane was fouled outside the Hoffenheim penalty area by Ermin Bicakcic.
Speaking after the game, Gerrard, Liverpool’s current U18 coach, expressed his delight that Alexander-Arnold had seized the opportunity to ‘step up and deliver’.
“It was a fabulous free-kick and it's ironic really because maybe Coutinho might have took this free-kick if he was available,” he said.
“It was a fantastic strike and what a night for the kid. He's played superbly well in general but to step up and have the character to take that before the likes of [Jordan] Henderson and [Sadio] Mane. It does say a lot.”
Gerrard also warned Nathaniel Clyne, who is currently injured, that he should be concerned his first-team position is under threat from the talented teenager.
“I know this kid well. He is going to be a top, top player. I think Nathaniel Clyne has to be very, very careful this season because he's already breathing down his neck. And performances like tonight [and] he's letting Jurgen Klopp know he's ready for the big time.
“He's a great professional. He's down at the academy all the time and he hasn't forgotten where he's come from. He's very ground and always wants to learn.
“I remember him coming into the academy pre-season and asking where he could improve and that type of stuff. I'm absolutely delighted for him and his family and it bodes well for the future.”
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