Steven Gerrard says Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will be ‘top, top player’ after 18-year-old scores superb free-kick against Hoffenheim
Reds legend points out that young right-back stepped in for Philippe Coutinho to put Liverpool ahead in Champions League play-off
LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard said Trent Alexander-Arnold will be a "top, top player" after the teenager scored a superb free-kick against Hoffenheim.
The 18-year-old gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first half of their Champions League qualifier in Germany on Tuesday night.
Gerrard, who is now Liverpool's under-18 manager, was speaking as a pundit on BT Sport's coverage of the match.
Alexander-Arnold surprised onlookers by grabbing the ball ahead of more senior players and then curling Liverpool ahead from 25 yards out after 35 minutes.
Former Reds captain Gerrard also pointed out that if wantaway midfielder Philippe Coutinho had been fit, he would probably have taken the free-kick.
"It was fabulous free-kick and it's ironic as Philippe Coutinho would probably have taken that if he was available," said Gerrard.
"It was a fantastic strike and what character he showed to step up ahead of more experienced players and take it.
"I know him well, he's going to be a top, top player and Nathaniel Clyne has to be careful as Trent is already breathing down his neck.
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"He's great professional, he's down the academy all the time, he's very grounded," added Gerrard during the half-time analysis.
"He always wants to learn and improve, and I'm absolutely delighted for him and his family. It bodes well for the future."
James Milner's deflected cross gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead in the second half, seemingly putting them in charge of the tie.
However, Mark Uth pulled a goal back for the hosts to ensure the return game at Anfield will be tense.
The winners of the two-legged tie will progress to the Champions League group stage, while the losers will drop into the Europa League.
