Why Liverpool debutant deserves plenty of game time under Klopp
Published:
Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night was just another win ticked off in a busy month for most Reds. But this tight victory could one day be considered a landmark moment – with sensational Anfield talent Trent Alexander-Arnold making his debut at right-back.
The 18-year-old defender offers a huge threat on the flanks, having already found the net twice in the Under-23 Premier League this season – including a ferocious strike in the 3-0 win over Sunderland in his last outing for the side.
With a composure on the ball which belies his young years, and a seemingly endless reserve of energy, the teenager is not only talented, but also appears to be exactly the kind of creative, high-intensity player that seniors boss Jurgen Klopp looks for.
That was reinforced by his nerveless display against Spurs in midweek, with the visitors trailing 2-0 when Alexander-Arnold left the fray after 67 minutes.
Helping limit the likes of Vincent Janssen and Erik Lamela to just a couple of chances, the classy and combative full-back played a vital part of Liverpool’s victory.
With Nathaniel Clyne in huge demand and reportedly on Barcelona’s transfer wish-list, chances are Liverpool will need a new first-choice right-back before too long – and Alexander-Arnold’s huge potential makes him the obvious choice.
While Graeme Souness’ comments in midweek that the 18-year-old possessed “all the attributes to be a top player” showed he’s grabbing the attention of club legends, it’s Klopp’s description of his performance as “wonderful” which will have the youngster excited.
Having slotted into the side and comfortably nullified one of English football’s best attacking units on his debut, the exciting youth product has surely earned the chance of a run of games during this season.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, the blow of a potential Clyne exit could quickly be softened for the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool head to Crystal Palace on Saturday, with 3/4 for the visitors to chalk up a third successive win at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, it’s 7/1 they win 2-1 on Pardew’s patch for the third time on the spin.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
