Steven Gerrard lavished praise on Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold following his stunning free-kick in the Reds’ 2-1 win over Hoffenheim.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side took to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Tuesday night looking for a positive result in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
After a shaky start in Sinsheim, a moment of magic from 18-year-old Alexander-Arnold—making his European debut and only his 14th appearance for the club—set Liverpool on their way.
Alexander-Arnold was born in West Derby, and looks the most likely Scouser to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield since Gerrard himself.
And speaking after the teenager’s first Reds goal, the former captain said “he’s ready for the big time.”
“He’s going to be a top, top player,” he told Gary Lineker in the BT Sport studio.
“Nathaniel Clyne has to be very, very careful this season because he’s already breathing down his neck.
“[With] performances like tonight he’s letting Jurgen Klopp know that he’s ready for the big time.
“He’s a great professional, he’s down at the academy all the time, he hasn’t forgotten where he’s come from.
“He’s very grounded, always wants to learn. I remember him coming into the academy in pre-season, asking Alex Inglethorpe, ‘where can I improve?’.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him and his family. It bodes well for the future.”
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