Nathaniel Clyne has backed his fellow right-back, 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold, to shine when called upon by Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold, a local lad born in West Derby, has made great strides in his development this season, and has made three appearances for the first team so far.
This has included his full debut in the League Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, as well as his Premier League bow in the dying stages of December’s 3-0 victory away to Middlesbrough.
He also notched his first assist for the club in November’s 2-0 win at home to Leeds United in the cup, feeding Divock Origi with an expertly threaded cross from deep.
At just 18, Alexander-Arnold has acquitted himself well when called upon—but, unfortunately, he is vying for a starting role with one of Liverpool’s most consistent talents.
But Clyne, who has played every minute of every game for the Reds in the league this season, has given Alexander-Arnold some advice for the future.
“He has a lot of ability and is very good at defending and getting forward,” the 25-year-old said.
“He’s a threat as he showed by setting up a goal for Divock with a great cross. His delivery from set-pieces is also decent.
“Go out and enjoy it is the main thing I’ve told him. Playing their normal game is what got all of the youngsters a chance so it’s important to do that.
“With the ability they possess they have nothing to fear.”
There will, of course, be nerves along the way for the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn, but Clyne believes they have the mentality to succeed.
“Maybe it’s natural for them to be nervous before games because it’s all so new to them,” he added.
“But once they get on the field I’m sure the adrenalin kicks in and that’s what pushes you on as a player.
“From there is about showing their quality and that’s what they’ve done.
“They’ve had some good backing from the crowd too, and Trent in particular because he has that local link with the supporters.”
As Clyne notes, Alexander-Arnold’s Scouser status makes him an early favourite with supporters desperate to see the next Jamie Carragher or Steven Gerrard.
The No. 66 has a long way to go before then, with supplanting Clyne an unenviable task, but as his part-mentor, part-adversary suggests, he has the quality to do so in the future.
Alexander-Arnold’s next start could come against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup third round, with the Reds set to play host to League Two opposition on January 8.
Fan Comments