This season a back injury has kept Nathaniel Clyne out giving Trent a chance on the big stage. The youngster has impressed but has also faced a lot of criticism for his occasional defensive frailties and there are suggestions that he shouldn’t start against Man City tomorrow, with some suggesting that Milner will get the nod at right-back ahead of him.
In March at Old Trafford, Trent endured a torrid afternoon where he was run ragged by Marcus Rashford, whose brace ensured Manchester United claimed all three points in a 2-1 defeat for the Reds. Since this, Trent’s critics have been more than vocal with some suggesting he isn’t yet good enough to face Manchester City tomorrow night. Such suggestions are, at best, naïve given the year that this future star has had.
Remember the first leg of our Champions League playoff against Hoffenheim? At just 18, Trent Alexander-Arnold stood over a free kick 25 yards out on his Champions League debut and whipped the ball into the bottom right corner. It was a special performance from the youngster which left many LFC fans, including myself, stunned and excited about his future at Liverpool football Club.
The youngster has superb athleticism and his pace and crossing ability is sublime. He has, undoubtedly, been a key player this season. People often praise Andrew Robertson for the impact he has had on our side. Trent is 5 years younger and has displayed similar talent to Robertson with desire, passion and incredible crossing. There is no doubt that if Trent Alexander-Arnold can become more defensively aware, he will make a tremendous right-back. Some suggest that Trent will be converted into a winger which due to his key strengths being going forwards, may work better for the lad. Whichever position he plays in the future, whether it be RB or RW, I believe Trent has a massive future at our club.
There is no doubt that, defensively, there are areas where Trent Alexander-Arnold can improve. Trent has, at times, shown his lack of experience this season, in particular during the 5-0 defeat to Man City earlier on in the season along with the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last month but don’t write the youngster off. Currently, at just 19 years of age he has a big future at the club as he enjoys his first full season playing in the first team. The lad oozes potential and provides the flair and passion that Liverpool have missed since Gerrard’s departure.
As a boyhood red himself, every goal, every clean sheet and every win means everything to the lad and similarly, every mistake hurts more. Trent YNWA.
Article by Jack Gill @Jacklfcgill_
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