Alexander-Arnold can be world’s greatest right-back, says Milner
Experienced midfielder hails youngster’s mentality Liverpool refuse to believe title is won despite big lead
He is the Scouser in their team, as Liverpool supporters like to remind us, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is living the dream.
The defender is emerging as one of the key players in Jurgen Klopp’s unstoppable red machine and proving so influential that James Milner, usually not renowned for resorting to hyperbole, believes he could even become the world’s greatest right-back.
Alexander-Arnold was serenaded by over 3,000 Liverpool fans on Boxing Day as he waited to be interviewed after the demolition of Leicester at the King Power Stadium, providing further evidence of his crucial role.
He produced arguably his best performance for the club, scoring one goal while contributing two assists, and at just 21 there is no limit to how far he can go. Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, branded him “the playmaker from West Derby” on Twitter after the rout of Leicester: Alexander-Arnold’s statistics revealed he had made 60 passes and had more touches (105) than any other player.
Milner is well placed to offer his verdict on generational talents and when asked if “TrentAA” could become the No1 operator in his position, the reply was swift. “One hundred per cent. There’s a long way to go and we don’t want him to get a big head, but he won’t because there’s plenty of people around him in this dressing room that, if he does, will pop it straightaway,” Milner said.
“When you see the amount of games he’s played, occasions he’s played, Champions League finals, big games, pushing for the league title games, it’s just massive experience playing alongside these guys.
“He’s going to make mistakes and will have to bounce back from them. You get disappointments, but his ability is incredible. I think there’s a lot more to come from him and he will keep on improving and be a massive player for Liverpool for years to come.”
Alexander-Arnold resembled a marauding winger at Leicester, with the freedom to roam in Klopp’s energetic, relentless style of play. He has redefined the role of right-back and is Liverpool’s youngest home-grown European winner. “For me, one of the most impressive things about him is his mentality,” added Milner. “You can admire him ability-wise, but his mentality is great. That’s so important.”
Milner is acutely aware of the pressures of being a young star, after first coming under the spotlight with Leeds when he made his debut at 16. He is now 33, with his experience another crucial component in Klopp’s armoury, and is refusing to consider the prospect of winning the third league title of his career. He last won the league while at Manchester City, in the 2013-14 season, and Liverpool would appear to have one hand on the crown after his former club’s dramatic late collapse at Wolves.
“As long as none of those people talking about the title race being over are in Melwood, we will be fine,” he said. “You learn in your career not to ever get too carried away with the ups, or too down with the downs. At this moment, things are going really well, but we know we have to stay at the level.
“Getting to the top of the league is hard enough, it’s staying there that’s the hardest part. So many games to go and so many things that can happen.
“The next game is the only thing that is important and we just fully focus on that. That’s something that is drilled into us in the dressing room and from the manager.”
Liverpool will face Wolves today with a 13-point lead over second-placed Leicester and Milner believes there is now a different narrative around Anfield. The club’s wait to win the league will be 30 years in May, but he is convinced Klopp’s current crop have earned the trust of their supporters.
He said: “We want it bad and they want it more with the wait they’ve had and how close we’ve come before. But we feel like they are completely with us and there’s a trust in the squad which is maybe different to seasons before. The support they show us everywhere is incredible and hopefully we can repay them at the end of the season.”