Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s regular performances mean he can no longer be thought of as the “young boy” in the squad.
The Reds had to come from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2 in a pulsating game at Anfield on Monday night. With that win, Liverpool restored their 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Klopp’s side now needs a maximum of 12 more points to seal the club’s 19th league title success and the first for 30 years.
One player who has become one of the most vital members of the first-team and is Liverpool’s creative fulcrum over the last 18 months is Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The young right-back was once again pivotal in Liverpool’s attacking success as they fought back from 2-1 down in the second half to take all three points.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Klopp was asked about Alexander-Arnold’s performance.
“I think we passed the moment where we treat him like a young boy, he is just a proper member of the squad. Everybody has to contribute, everybody has to bring on the pitch what he is able to do – and the boys do a lot to bring him or Robbo in the position and save them there. I don’t want to make the performance more than it is, I am completely happy with it, but that’s how football works on the highest level. [There were] super moments of Gini, for example, where he just wins that decisive battle, Sadio really [good], Bobby chasing back and wins the ball. Thank God in our stadium [it is like] nearly scoring a goal [with] the celebration after Bobby wins a really important ball back.”
Alexander-Arnold’s two assists against West Ham brought his tally for this season to 12, already equalling his end-of-season total for the 2018/19 campaign.
Next up for The Reds is a tricky trip to Watford on Saturday evening. Then, next Tuesday, Liverpool travel to face Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
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