LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 29, 2016: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in action against Leeds United during the Football League Cup Quarter-Final match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jamie Carragher expecting great things from Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has the potential to become a real force in the next few years, according to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

While many of Wednesday’s column inches have been deservedly filled with talk of Ben Woodburn‘s record-breaking goalscoring heroics against Leeds United, his young team-mate was more impressive on the night.

Alexander-Arnold was named in the starting lineup for the Reds’ League Cup quarter-final showdown, and produced an excellent showing in the 2-0 win.

The 18-year-old provided the assist for Divock Origi‘s opener, and his eye-catching all-round display earned him Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award.

Speaking in his role as a pundit after the game, Carragher couldn’t help but lavish Alexander-Arnold with praise.

“We know now why Jurgen Klopp only went in with one recognised right-back this season—England’s first choice or second choice [Nathaniel Clyne],” he said.

“I think we know why now, with his performance tonight and the same against Spurs.

“Sometimes you just look at someone before you see them play and they look like a footballer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 29, 2016: Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates scoring the first goal against Leeds United with team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold during the Football League Cup Quarter-Final match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“He just looks like a fantastic athlete, perfect for the full-back position. He’s only 18 so you think about how he’s going to look physically in three or four years’ time.

“He looks as though he’s already got the legs and the pace, and the strength is going to come. He’s still got a long way to go, the young lad.

“But to have an 18-year-old kid as your backup full-back, thinking about how big a club Liverpool are—fighting on all fronts and challenging at the top of the league—shows the faith Jurgen Klopp has got in him.”

Unlike many youngsters who have been given chances to impress down the years, Alexander-Arnold really does look as though he will make the grade at Anfield.

There is a confidence about him that so many young players don’t have in their armoury, and fans would have few fears about him playing regularly at right-back if Nathaniel Clyne picked up an injury.

It is always slightly reckless to go overboard about a young English player, but Alexander-Arnold looks likely to have a very bright future on Merseyside.

His first two appearances for the Reds have only enhanced his already stellar reputation.

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