Alexander-Arnold turns heads with his stunning free-kick
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning free-kick for Liverpool in their 2-1 Champions League win over Hoffenheim had the British media purring ‘Who needs Coutinho?’ in reference to the wantaway Brazilian star.
The 18-year-old’s opening goal for Liverpool in the tie in Germany — setting them up nicely for next week’s home leg -- incited the Daily Mail to headline their report “Alexander The Great”.
Alexander-Arnold called it a “thing of dreams” to score on his European debut for his “boyhood club” in their Champions League play-off, first-leg clash, and was lavishly praised by club icon Steven Gerrard.
But had Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho been fit, Alexander-Arnold probably wouldn’t even have taken the free-kick.
Gerrard, who coaches the club’s under-18 side, said: “It was a fabulous free-kick and it’s ironic really because Coutinho might have taken it if he was available,” said Gerrard.
“He has played superbly in general play but to have the character to take that before the likes of (Jordan) Henderson and (Sadio) Mane says a lot.
“I know this kid very well, he’s going to be a top, top player and Nathaniel Clyne has to be very, very careful this season because he is already breathing down his neck.”
Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp lavished praise on the teenager as well, whose deftly-struck free-kick wrong-footed the Hoffenheim defence to give Liverpool the lead on 35 minutes.
“I find it astounding that an 18-year-old has the balls to cheekily smash in a free-kick from a situation like that,” enthused Klopp. “It was a very intense game for him, he is a great young player with a lot of potential.” KAsim AdAms 91-og
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Everton manager Ronald Koeman said he expects Gylfi Sigurdsson to boost the club’s goal-scoring options after the attacking-midfielder completed his medical before he transfers from Swansea City.
Sigurdsson will move to Goodison Park after the two clubs agreed a fee of about 45 million pounds ($57.84 million), a record for Everton, according to the British media. The 27-year-old played a key part in Swansea’s avoiding relegation last season, scoring nine goals and 13 assists.
Ilkay Gundogan made his first appearance in eight months for Manchester City on Tuesday when he came on as a second-half substitute against Girona in a friendly in Spain.
The midfielder, who suffered knee ligament damage against Watford last December, could be in contention for a place in the squad for Monday’s home tie against Everton.
Jese has joined Stoke City on a season-long loan from PSG, the two clubs announced on Wednesday. “Jese was a man in demand when PSG made it clear they would allow him to leave on loan and we’re delighted he has chosen to join us,” said Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes. “He hasn’t had the happiest of periods in his career in Paris but he’s still only a young man.”