Hendo hails Clyne as the 'perfect role model' for Trent
Jordan Henderson feels Nathaniel Clyne's status as 'one of the best full-backs in Europe' means Trent Alexander-Arnold could ask for no better tutor as he learns his craft.
Unwavering consistency in both availability and performance have characterised Clyne’s Liverpool career since his move to Anfield from Southampton in the summer of 2015.
Last season, the England international made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Reds and, up until the recent clash with Manchester United, he had started all of their Premier League matches this term.
A rib/abdominal problem kept the 25-year-old out of that trip to Old Trafford eight days ago, with teenager Alexander-Arnold duly deputising impressively on the occasion of his first top-flight start.
Clyne was back in Jürgen Klopp’s starting line-up for Swansea City’s visit to Anfield on Saturday, though, and Henderson believes there is nobody better for Alexander-Arnold to take inspiration from.
“One of the big positives Trent has, in this moment, is the player he is learning most directly from: Nathaniel Clyne,” the captain wrote in his notes for ‘This is Anfield’, Liverpool’s official matchday programme.
“Clyney isn’t someone who gets a lot of headlines but for me and a lot of our lads, he is a standout performer week in, week out.
“He is the perfect role model for Trent and any young full-back for that matter. Without question he is one of the best full-backs in Europe, never mind just England, and he goes about his business quietly but impressively.
“Ask any attacking player in the Premier League what it’s like to play against Clyney. In fact, ask us lads who play against him in training. He can stop you in your tracks one minute and have you scrambling back to stop him attacking the next.
“He has all the tools the modern-day full-back needs and for Trent there is no better person to learn from and aspire to emulate in his position.
“Clyney probably doesn’t come across in the public eye as someone who ‘leads’ because he doesn’t seek the limelight and isn’t loud or outspoken. But within our dressing room he leads in the best way possible: through example.
“I think Liverpool and England are very lucky, because to have Clyney and Trent together here means the present and the future are in great hands and they will help each other and spur each other on.”
On Alexander-Arnold’s mature display at Old Trafford, Henderson added: “He proved that being young and inexperienced doesn’t impact on performance when your attitude and mentality are top-notch.
“I’ve spoken about Trent a few times this season, as have a lot of the other players in our squad. Normally I wouldn’t say so much about a young player because it’s important they’re allowed to grow and develop without pressure and too much exposure.
“I’ve been there myself as a teenager in the Premier League and you have to be careful you don’t let the extra attention and profile distract from what really matters: the football.
“With Trent there is no danger of that. His feet couldn’t be more firmly on the ground. That’s why his performance at United surprised no-one in our dressing room.”
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