Alexander-Arnold: We'll need everyone to play a part in the run-in
Trent Alexander-Arnold accepts he is by no means guaranteed to start each of Liverpool’s remaining fixtures in 2018-19 as they strive for domestic and European success.
The Reds have three games left to contest in the Premier League as they continue to battle it out with Manchester City to be crowned champions.
In the Champions League, meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp’s men are facing a mouth-watering semi-final clash with FC Barcelona over two legs at the start of next month, with the winners set to face either Tottenham Hotspur or Ajax Amsterdam in Madrid on June 1.
Entering the run-in, Liverpool’s ranks have been bolstered by the return of Joe Gomez to full fitness recently, with the defender appearing in the last two matches as a substitute, replacing Alexander-Arnold.
And the No.66 feels the Reds will benefit from the additional options at the manager’s disposal.
“Hopefully we’ve got six games left,” Alexander-Arnold told journalists. “It doesn’t sound too much but when you’re putting everything into it you need players to come in and out.
“It’s good to be able to bring different players in.
“Now the weather plays a bit more of a part and you have to put a bit more effort in. It’s exciting.
“Every game you want to play and it’s good when the manager has that faith and trust in you to play.
“We have to recover as soon as possible because we know we’ve got a tough run of fixtures to go. We’re excited.”
Liverpool’s position at the summit of the Premier League table could be displaced by Manchester City on Wednesday, with Pep Guardiola’s side set to tackle Manchester United at Old Trafford in their game in hand.
Alexander-Arnold continued: “It’s rare that you get these seasons. We’ve worked really hard with the foundations, kept quite a lot of clean sheets.
“It’s important for us to keep up the momentum. It’s not about how many points we’ve got now, it’s about how many we can end up with and put the pressure back on City.
“Hopefully United will do us a favour.”
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold revealed his pride at being named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
The 20-year-old faces competition from David Brooks (Bournemouth), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Declan Rice (West Ham United) and Manchester City pair Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling for the prize.
“I found out after the away leg in Porto,” he revealed. “It’s exciting. I’m really proud to be mentioned.
“There’s six really good players. It’s nice to have respect from other players.
“Michael Edwards told me. He spoke to my mum beforehand and I think my family knew before me but everyone wanted to focus on the game in Porto and get that out of the way before delivering the good news.”