OPINION
The emergence of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool’s first-choice full-backs has been a joy to watch, with both men fighting their way ahead of the competition with hard work and determination.
Robertson endured a slow start to life at Anfield following his move from Hull last summer, but the Scotland international eventually displaced Alberto Moreno with consistent performances of the highest quality.
Alexander-Arnold’s run into the first-team was slightly different as he worked his way up from the academy, but again he was not necessarily expected to nail down his spot so quickly.
The intense competition for place in the Liverpool camp is likely to be a factor behind both players’ rapid progress, and there is now another kind of competition brewing between the pair.
Speaking to the club’s official website, 24-year-old Robertson interestingly revealed that the two players are competing to see who can register the most assists over the course of the season.
“Last season, we had a small competition. It started a bit later in the season. This season, we decided to have a competition and see who comes out on top at the end. He’s a fantastic player so I’m sure it’ll be tight; if I keep up with him with his assists then I’m sure we’ll both have a good season,” said the Scot.
Now, while this may just seem like a friendly competition between two teammates, this is the kind of thing which could help push red-hot Robertson and Alexander-Arnold to hit heights neither of them have seen before.
Both men are already in the form of the lives, and so to keep that kind of momentum going you need to find as much motivation as you possibly can, for the longest possible time.
Both men are known for their exceptional crossing ability, and so for them to add extra motivation to keep improving that aspect of their game can only be a good thing.
It would therefore not be a surprise to see both men registering their best career numbers at the end of the season as a result of this brilliant ploy.
