Liverpool: The stage is set for young Trent Alexander-Arnold
By Kian Long
Liverpool’s youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold is set for the biggest game in his career.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a standout young player this season. Playing as a defender for Liverpool, he was always going to have huge pressure heaped on to him, however he has prevailed through the scrutiny well.
In fact, he’s turned into a key player for Liverpool. Over the last few seasons, Jurgen Klopp has struggled to maintain well-disciplined full backs, but he has just that in Alexander-Arnold, and he’s reaped the benefits.
The youngster will travel with England to the 2018 World Cup, along with a few other of the young lions. He will look to use what he’s learned throughout the season, but before this, he has a Champions League final to compete in.
There has been a lot of emphasis on Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, but we shouldn’t forget how big this occasion is for Alexander-Arnold. It’s not often a 19 year old has a favorable chance to start in a Champions League final, so when it comes around it’s always exciting to watch.
Nobody is expecting the youngster to go out and put in a world class performance, but you certainly wouldn’t put it past him. He will have an even tougher ask defending against Ronaldo, but he shouldn’t be put off by this.
The Portuguese attacker won’t take it easy on his opposing full-back, but Alexander-Arnold will have been drilled to not give Ronaldo an easy ride. Klopp can only give his starlet advice and hope for the best.
In an interview, the Liverpudlian revealed he isn’t too put off by Ronaldo, as he thinks the former United superstar still has weaknesses.
"“(Ronaldo) has done unbelievable things in the game, but he’s got weaknesses as well, as every player has. On Saturday we’ll try to exploit them and stop him from doing what he does best, to stop him from scoring.” – Trent Alexander-Arnold (via Goal)"
Stopping Ronaldo from scoring is certainly wishing for the best. He’s had yet another unbelievable season this term, especially in the Champions League. The Real Madrid man has contributed to 49 goals this season, so one would assume he won’t rest on the big stage.
18 of those contributions have come in the Champions League, a competition which he always shows up for. Real Madrid will hope for their third consecutive title, while Liverpool hope for their sixth title in history.
Next: Three ways Real Madrid can win the Champions League final
Do you think Trent Alexander-Arnold has what it takes to oversee Cristiano Ronaldo?