Steven Gerrard has been aboard the Trent Alexander-Arnold hype train for some time.
Gerrard has been singing the youngster’s praises for years now and continued to gush about Alexander-Arnold following what many believe was his breakout performance in Hoffenheim.
The 18-year-old opened the scoring with a stunning free kick and put forth a mature performance at right back for 90 minutes, after an accomplished showing for the Reds at the weekend.
In his post-match press conference, manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the balls of Alexander-Arnold for taking it upon himself to hammer home a first-half free kick, while club legend Jamie Carragher fondly looked back on one of his early encounters with the versatile young player.
⚽️👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/DlQAutfe6R
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 15, 2017
And Gerrard was so impressed with Alexander-Arnold, who has been deputising for the injured Nathaniel Clyne, that he reckons the England U19 international could be about to make the right side of Liverpool’s back four his own.
Anfield’s favourite son has issued a warning to Clyne in the wake of Alexander-Arnold’s terrific performances.
“It was a fabulous free-kick and it’s ironic as Philippe Coutinho would probably have taken that if he was available,” said Gerrard.
"He's going to be a top, top player. He's letting Klopp know he's ready for the big time."
Steven Gerrard is a BIG fan of @trentaa98. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ll0dwLE51b
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 15, 2017
“It was a fantastic strike and what character he showed to step up ahead of more experienced players and take it.
“I know him well, he’s going to be a top, top player and Nathaniel Clyne has to be careful as Trent is already breathing down his neck.
“He’s a great professional, he’s down the academy all the time, he’s very grounded.
“He always wants to learn and improve, and I’m absolutely delighted for him and his family. It bodes well for the future.”
