Liverpool have had quite a stunning season so far. Jurgen Klopp’s side were expected to finish in the top four by bare minimum and perhaps make it to the knock out stages of the Champions League. They have done both the aforementioned but the performances in the domestic cups have left a lot to be desired.
Liverpool are known for their attacking play but this season, Klopp has managed to build a side that can defend. A season that started with lousy defending has turned into one where the side managed to keep Manchester City quite and make it to the semifinals of the Champions League.
The signing of Virgil van Dijk has obviously helped the team become more stable at the back, but another player who has impressed in the second half of the season is Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The academy graduate made good strides under Klopp last season and wasn’t expected to play as many games as he has done so far this season. However, Nathaniel Clyne’s long-term injury meant Klopp had to rotate Joe Gomez and Alexander-Arnold and the two have taken their chances well.
Liverpool have a star on their hands
Reports indicate Liverpool are set to provide Alexander-Arnold with a new contract. Still only a teenager, he had signed a contract last summer but his impressive performance in the League and the Champions League have forced Liverpool to think about offering him a better deal.
Does it come as a surprise? Yes. While he was expected to make a major impact in the coming years, his progress this season has taken quite a few fans by surprise. He was known for his ability on the ball and attacking runs, but he showed in the two games against Manchester City that he can defend when needed.
Alexander-Arnold had nothing to lose after Clyne’s injury, but because Gomez too was overlooked for a while, all of a sudden, he was the first choice which placed more expectations on his shoulders.
Against Manchester United, he had a couple of moments where he was caught flat-footed. Liverpool were punished and ended up losing the game. In today’s world, the social media can be unforgiving. While the Liverpool fans didn’t give him any stick because it was his first bad game of the season, he was a laughing stock on social media. The way he bounced back, however, was stunning.
Against the best young attacker in the Premier League this season – Leroy Sane – TAA looked unbeatable and defended staunchly in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal clash to help his team keep a clean sheet.
A contract upgrade is the least he deserves and from Liverpool’s perspective, it’s a no-brainer really.
