Goal hero Trent is the top for Klopp

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp praised the character of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the teenager scored a brilliant free-kick in their 2-1 Champions League play-off win over Hoffenheim.

The 18-year-old stepped up ahead of more senior colleagues to whip in a set-piece and open the scoring with his first goal for the club on his European debut.

Hoffenheim’s late strike from Mark Uth came from Alexander-Arnold’s side of defence after James Milner’s cross had deflected in off Havard Nordtveit to make it 2-0, but Klopp accepts the youngster is still learning and was more interested in what he can do rather than what he cannot.

“I have to say, for an 18-year-old to have the balls to kick a free-kick is better than the mistake,” he said.

“He is an incredible young player. It was actually because I told him he had to do it – he was the only one who can. He can shoot free-kicks better than I ever could.”

Alexander-Arnold admitted his European debut could not have gone any better.

“It is a thing of dreams to make your European debut for your boyhood club,” he said.

“Especially to make it with a goal was very special for me. More importantly, we got the win.

“I kind of got egged on to take the free-kick, to be honest. I never put my hand up first but I had the confidence to take it and it paid off.”

Despite conceding a late goal, Klopp insists he was happy with the scoreline to take back to Anfield for next week’s second leg.

“If somebody told me we would win tonight we would take each result - even an 8-7 - and so I am happy about the result,” he added.

“No I’m not happy with the goal they scored but I think they deserved the goal for their effort over the 90 minutes.

“Yes they had their moments, especially when they changed a little bit their style of play. But we were very offensive on both wings and that left Trent and Alberto (Moreno) alone.”