Trent Alexander-Arnold is the benchmark for our young players

Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a new 5-year deal at Liverpool keeping at the club until 2022. He represents the benchmark for other youngsters.

After his breakthrough season of 2016/17 Liverpool youngster cements his place in Jurgen Klopp’s first team plans by signing a new contract. The deal keeps the Scouser at Anfield until 2022. It is a great reward for Alexander-Arnold’s development. Klopp made specific reference to his “benchmark attitude”. That is a fantastic phrase and his long-term deal provides inspiration for the rest of young players who wish to make their careers in front of the Kop.

One thing we have seen in Klopp’s first 18 months in charge is his high emphasis on attitude, team work and flexibility. He has demanded that many first team players move to new positions for the sake of the team. Milner’s transform from midfielder to left back and Firmino being deployed as a striker are testaments to the manager’s method. The flexibility already shown by Alexander-Arnold, playing numerous positions for the club, is a way to play your way into Klopp’s thoughts.

There a handful of players who are on the fringes who now know a first team contract is possible. Ovie Ejaria must be the only man at Anfield who doesn’t want us to sign Naby Keita. The young Englishman broke into the first team squad last season and won the Under-20 World Cup with England this summer. Now he must kick on and become the kind of player that Klopp can trust.

Dominic Solanke was also part of the Under-20 success and must see the opportunity ahead of him. He is the only striker bought in this window and will compete with Sturridge and Origi for the center forward role. Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson have the most to take from Alexander-Arnold. Executing the roles given to then will be crucial for their inclusion this season.