Reds teenager keen to live up to Gerrard expectations

Liverpool academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold is hoping to live up to Steven Gerrard’s expectations after scoring a brilliant maiden goal on his European debut.

In April the Reds’ former captain, speaking after officially taking charge of the club’s under-18 side, sang the praises of the teenager.

“Trent’s going to be a beauty,” was Gerrard’s assessment of his fellow Liverpudlian.

Alexander-Arnold announced himself on the European stage with a dipping free-kick over the wall to give Liverpool the lead on their way to a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim in their Champions League play-off first leg.

On being reminded of Gerrard’s comment the 18-yearold said: “It’s always good to get compliments from your idol and I am hoping to live up to his words.

“It is always good to have his backing and support.”

The young defender has seen himself elevated to one of a handful of set-piece takers after impressing manager Jurgen Klopp with his dead-ball prowess.

Having been waved on by more senior colleagues Alberto Moreno and Emre Can he repaid his manager’s faith in him with a vital strike.

“I’ve been practising free-kicks but I didn’t think the senior players would let me take it to be honest but in the end they did and I stepped up and scored and did well for the team,” he added.

“It is indescribable to be honest. Special in so many different ways for me personally and I’ve definitely ticked the box off.”

Conceding a late goal has left the tie finely balanced for next week’s return leg at Anfield and Alexander-Arnold knows they will have to be wary of German opponents who play a similar high-tempo pressing game.

“It is a bit sickening we conceded so late on but we can’t let that affect us,” he added.

Trent Alexander-Arnold.