Star grateful to Klopp as he reflects on season of ups and downs

Trent Alexander-Arnold has reflected on a season of many twists and turns after firmly establishing himself as the club’s first-choice right-back in recent weeks.

The Liverpool academy product man of the match against Bournemouth and the 19-year-old, who broke into the first team last season, has established himself as first-choice right-back as a result of injury to Nathaniel Clyne.

The teenager, who recently triggered a new deal at the club, received some criticism after being exposed by Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, and although he has bounced back, he admits it has not all been plain sailing.

“There has been a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns which maybe a lot of people have not seen in training and off the pitch,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“There hasn’t always been just a steady rise, there have been mistakes and bad games along the way that help you learn.

“It is thanks to those games and the trust of the manager that helps you get through those tough moments and to come through them and learn from them and not let them get you down.

“Looking back 12 months ago I would never have thought I’d be in this situation and I am grateful for it.

“Every time he (Klopp) has trusted me to play, especially in the big games, I try to show why he has trusted me and I try to do him and the team proud.”

 

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