Jurgen Klopp says young defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has turned out to be the biggest surprise since he took over the reins at Anfield, describing the player as a “machine.”
The 21-year-old was given his senior debut in October 2016, a year after Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers and has since gone on to cement his place in the starting 11. He’s also forced his way into the England squad, having become one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe.
Alexander-Arnold is a player who typifies the modern-day full-back, effective both in defense and attack as he marauds up and down the right flank. Klopp has known the youngster for a few years now but he admits he didn’t think he would show that much improvement this quickly.
"I have known Trent Alexander-Arnold since he was 17 years old,” the German said after being asked what the biggest surprise of his Liverpool career has been so far by BBC Sport. "He was a big talent but we were not sure he could do it physically. Now he is a machine - so he is a big surprise."
The 21-year-old, now a Champions League winner, was named Liverpool’s Young Player of the Season for two consecutive campaigns (2016/17 and 2017/18) and was an inclusion in last term’s PFA Team of the Year. He was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year.
Klopp is certainly owed a lot of the credit for Alexander-Arnold’s development. The coach has his work cut out for him when it comes to keeping his squad fresh and competitive, however.
Asked how he maintains respect while making difficult decisions, he said: "All my former players have my number and we stay in contact.
"I support them still, apart from the moment we play each other. If we win 5-1 I would prefer my former player scores the one. It is like a family and friends forever.
"When I was a very young manager [at Mainz] and I knew my players did not earn very much, I had to tell some of my best friends they would not get another contract and I did not know which way it would go for them.
"Now it is a different level and I do not put the players on the streets, they will find another club.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are on course to win their first title of the Premier League era, having just lifted the FIFA Club World Cup. They’re 10 points clear at the top of the league table with a game in hand and are 1/7 to claim the coveted title at the end of the season with Betfair, who are handing customers the opportunity to win £100 in free bets.
The sportsbook has several other offers and promotions available which, coupled with the above, is thought to be the reason why Betfair are one of the top bookmakers in the UK. They have reigning champions Manchester City at 6/1 to win the league for a third successive time but the Reds are the clear favourites after dropping just two points in 17 games so far this season. Leicester City are 60/1 while Chelsea are a huge stretch at 500/1, as are Tottenham Hotspur.
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