England's Trent Alexander-Arnold during the International Friendly match at Elland Road, Leeds

Trent Alexander-Arnold on Champions League final heartbreak

Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken of the current confidence he is playing with, as well as his Champions League “heartbreak” with Liverpool.

Having been a relative unknown in the footballing world this time last year, Alexander-Arnold has become one of the most exciting teenagers on the planet.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season with Liverpool, and his performances at right-back saw him named in England’s World Cup squad.

A video emerged last week of Alexander-Arnold curling a stunning shot into the net during his first training session with the Three Lions, which gained plenty of attention.

It highlighted the confidence flowing through the youngster’s veins right now, ahead of what could be another key few weeks in his career.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Alexander-Arnold admits his current levels of belief were the key reason behind even attempting the strike:

“The other players were probably surprised that in my first session I tried to score like that.

“A few months ago I wouldn’t have shot, I would have passed to someone else. I have probably got the confidence now to do it.”

On a more negative note, the boyhood Red also spoke about the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid last month.

He admits it was one of the lowest moments of his young life to date, despite playing very well on an individual level in Kyiv:

KIEV, UKRAINE - Saturday, May 26, 2018: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold looks dejected after the UEFA Champions League Final match between Real Madrid CF and Liverpool FC at the NSC Olimpiyskiy. Real Madrid won 3-1. (Pic by Peter Powell/Propaganda)

“When I walked down the stage with my silver medal past the cup obviously you cannot describe what the feeling is like but it is the closest thing to heartbreak that I have ever had.

“I was just really disappointed. I felt like I let everyone down and I am sure the rest of the lads felt like that as well.

“You know the fans and everyone wanted us to win it – that was the point of everyone travelling over there and everyone wanted to bring the trophy back.

“Obviously it feels like you have got so far and you are so close to winning it but it slipped through our fingers.

“In a knockout tournament it is not really about your own performance – it is about the team. So I would rather have had a stinker and got sent off and win it than play well and lose.”

This is another typically mature interview with Alexander-Arnold, who is not only impressing greatly as a footballer, but also as a person.

That was highlighted once more on Sunday, when out of the kindness of his heart he sorted a Liverpool fan out with an England shirt with his name on the back.

To have a local lad playing for the Reds is always important, and Alexander-Arnold really does have the feel of a future captain about him.

Don’t rule out him producing a moment of brilliance in Russia, as his reputation continues to soar.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments