Klopp Has Surprised Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold
By Paul Drake
Many of the Liverpool youngsters are on the verge of breaking into the first-team; Alexander-Arnold sets his sights on next season.
Alexander-Arnold broke into the first-team this year with his appearance back in October during the EFL Cup match against Tottenham. In the Premier League, he has only started one match, while making two additional substitutions late in matches. His total playing time in the League is 98 minutes, with five of those minutes coming in a late match substitution against Spurs on February 11th.
Overall this season, Alexander-Arnold has been an average player, what you might expect from a youngster with little Premier League experience. He has shown flashes of brilliance though, but has also looked overwhelmed at times. Reds fans have to keep in mind that he is only 18 years-old playing against some huge competition.
Surprise, Surprise There Is A Future
In regards to this season, Alexander-Arnold has been surprised by the fact that he is even a part of the bigger picture at Liverpool. Klopp has taken a liking to the young-man and sees a bright future in a Reds uniform for Arnold.
This must be a huge encouragement to the young-man as he is enjoying some good success in the Under-23 Team this season. It is crucial that he continue to develop his skills and vision as a defender if he wants to become a reliable back, full-time for the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold spoke to Sam Williams over at Liverpool FC, saying, “I don’t really set targets, I just try to enjoy it where I can because this is the first season I’ve really been with the first team.” He did not expect to have any place on the first-team this season at all, which again is another welcome surprise.
Enjoying where you are is wise, Arnold does not want to put the cart before the horse and is content to play hard and give his best no matter what; he added in the same interview, “Whether that’s first team or Under-23s or whoever, and I’ll give it my best whenever I do play.” Hard work is always appreciated by a boss, team-mates, and fans.
Lastly, when asked about next season Alexander-Arnold had this to say, “I think maybe next season I’ll set targets, but from now until the end of the season I’ll just try to enjoy my football, try to play as much as I can.” Some wise words for such a young-man. I look forward to seeing how he develops and what the future holds for him at Anfield.
Related Story: Joel Matip opens up about the Liverpool squad.
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