Trent: Playing alongside Stevie G? I can finally tick that off my list!
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed how Liverpool’s post-season friendly with Sydney FC enabled him to fulfil an ambition he’s held since childhood – the opportunity to play alongside Steven Gerrard.
The youngster lined-up alongside the Reds legend in the first half of Wednesday’s 3-0 victory in Australia, with other ex-Anfield stars Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Steve McManaman also taking to the field with the current first team.
And it was an occasion Alexander-Arnold was eager to savour, particularly given how as a youngster he idolised Gerrard so much he'd even venture to Melwood to try and catch a glimpse of him in training.
“As a kid I always said that my dream was to play in a game with Stevie,” the defender told the Liverpool Echo.
“I thought that chance had passed to be honest, especially with him retiring last year.
“I know it wasn’t a competitive game but I’ll take it anyway. It was brilliant to have him as a teammate and I’ll tick that one off my list.
“That iconic pass Stevie does - I used to watch that week in week out. To be on the receiving end of a couple of those was a privilege.
“Every kid growing up in Liverpool tried to emulate that kind of Steven Gerrard pass.”
Alexander-Arnold and Gerrard have developed an excellent rapport off the field, with the pair first crossing paths when the latter spent time at the Academy working with the U16s to help obtain his coaching badges.
Since then, the 36-year-old has acted as a sounding board for his fellow Scouser, offering guidance as Liverpool’s No.66 looks to continue his development into a first-team regular.
“He’s given me some great advice over the course of the season,” said Alexander-Arnold. “He said he’s always there for me if I need to ask him anything. That’s great to know.
“He’s such an important figure and has a vital role at the club now. Everyone looks up to him.
“I don’t think you’ll find anyone at the Academy who doesn’t look up to Steven Gerrard. He’s the perfect role model, on and off the pitch.
“To have him in a full-time role at Kirkby is incredible for the Academy and I can only see more success coming from there.”
2016-17 was a watershed term for Alexander-Arnold as he made 12 appearances for the senior side over the course of the campaign.
Nevertheless, the 18-year-old knows there is plenty of hard work still ahead of him if he is to build on the progress he has made to date.
“I never expected it to go as well as it did. I’m grateful and happy for the opportunities and the faith the manager showed in me,” he continued.
“I can only say thank-you to him and hopefully I’ve proved to him that I deserved those chances he gave me.
“I am over the moon with this season and I’m already looking forward to next season starting.
“I have to come back better, fitter and stronger. The game is getting quicker every single season so you need to come back ready to battle for a place.
“You know there are going to be some new signings so in pre-season you have to fight for a position and show the manager why he can rely on you. Hopefully I’ll do that.
“It’s exciting having the Champions League. It’s Europe’s elite and it’s where the club belongs.
“Having those nights at Anfield, nothing compares to them. They were spectacular when I went to them growing up as a kid with the flags and scarves.”