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25th Oct 2016

Youngster tipped for big things by Steven Gerrard in line for Liverpool debut against Spurs

Gerrard singled out the player for praise in his autobiography...

Robert Redmond

There has been talk over the past few days of Steven Gerrard returning to Liverpool, but fans could get a glimpse of the future at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in-line for his competitive debut for the club against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup, and has already been earmarked for a bright future by Liverpool legend Gerrard.

Alexander-Arnold has just turned 18, can play in central midfield and at right-back, and has impressed for the U23 side this season, scoring twice in five games from right-back.

In his autobiography published last year, Gerrard spoke of the player, who grew-up close to Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, in glowing terms.

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool - Pre-Season Friendly

“Trent Arnold has a terrific chance of making it as a top professional,” Gerrard wrote.

“He’s quite leggy but he’s got a lovely frame and seems to have all the attributes you need. He has the right attitude and comes from West Derby, home to Melwood.

“So Trent is another Scouser and apparently, just as I tried to be John Barnes and Steve McMahon, he grew up pretending to be me while playing in the Merseyside parks.

“He can play as a No 6, a holding midfielder, but he’s versatile and I’ve seen him fill various positions. I know England are all over him.”

Of course, there’s no guarantee any young player, no matter how talented, will make the grade in the first-team, but Gerrard’s praise shows Alexander-Arnold is a player worth keeping an eye on for Liverpool fans.

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