Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, saying he always knew he was ‘something special’.
The 21-year-old has once again started the season in fantastic form, although he missed Wednesday’s victory over Genk with a virus, and Klopp believes he has always had top class potential.
“Apart from that, he is so impressive, so impressive,” he said, as per the Liverpool Echo. “When I first saw him, I saw that this is something special but he had to work hard to make that really obvious.
“He is good, it’s really a pleasure to work with him to be honest. He is very aggressive in a positive way. It really is a pleasure to work with him, great.”
OPINION
You can just feel the esteem in which Klopp holds Alexander-Arnold from what he says, here. The German is the man who spotted Alexander-Arnold years ago and identified that he had the potential to go on and be a big player for Liverpool. Prior to Alexander-Arnold’s breakthrough Nathaniel Clyne was excelling after joining the club from Southampton, performing well on a regular basis and continually getting in the England squad. However, he has very much been usurped by the young Scouser. Credit to Klopp and the coaching staff at Anfield for identifying his talent and bringing it to the fore, and he is now a vital first team player for the Reds. The statistics show as much. As per WhoScored.com, the England international is averaging a tackle, 1.4 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game this season. Offensively, meanwhile, he has also been excellent, averaging 1.1 shots and 3.3 key passes per outing. Really, where would the European champions be without the youngster?
