Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold says he owes Jurgen Klopp ‘everything’ for his incredible ascent to becoming Liverpool and England’s first-choice right back.
Alexander-Arnold’s first league start came as an 18-year-old against Manchester United at Old Trafford in early 2017 and Klopp has shown faith in the local-born academy product ever since, with him becoming a first-team regular the following season.
He has stressed he’ll be forever thankful to Jürgen Klopp for the faith and opportunities given to him.
When asked what Klopp had done for his career, Alexander-Arnold said: “Everything. Without him who knows what would’ve happened. He’s the one that’s given me more opportunities, more than I can ask for.
“He’s put a lot of trust and faith in me personally. I’ve tried to repay him every time he’s done that. Hopefully, there will be four more years of success.”
Alexander-Arnold added: “I think within his first few weeks he was down at the academy watching the young lads. That gave a bit more faith and a statement to the club he was going to give young players chances.
“He has shown over the four years that he has given young players chances. He’s given opportunities and I’m one of the youngsters that have been given them.”
In addition to shunning previous right-back Nathaniel Clyne out of the club, Alexander-Arnold has also displaced Kyle Walker as the first choice England right back and is likely to keep his place for England’s Euro campaign next year.
England has been blessed with options in the right-back spot with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Walker all vying to be Alexender-Arnold’s back up.