10 young players to watch
By James Dudko
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
Few players on this list have experienced a rise as meteoric as the one enjoyed by Trent Alexander-Arnold since the start of last season.
The 19-year-old became Liverpool’s right-back of choice, played in a Champions League final and earned inclusion to England’s World Cup squad. Not bad for a year’s work.
Yet even after a year for the ages, Alexander-Arnold still has to prove he belongs at the highest level. Specifically, he must show he can be an asset for a shaky Liverpool defense under pressure to improve this season.
The Reds are the most dynamic attacking force in England’s top flight, but are too often let down by frailties at the back.
Alexander-Arnold is part of the fluency going forward. His pace, energy and close control make him a raiding menace on the flank, one who lets Liverpool counter with ruthless efficiency.
His delivery from wide areas is improving, while Alexander-Arnold has also found a niche from set-pieces, particularly free-kicks. Progress needs to come in defensive areas, where this youngster remains guilty of over-committing at times and showing sketchy positional sense.
Alexander-Arnold has all the raw gifts to become a fixture at both club and international level. The latter will demand outdoing Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier and City’s Kyle Walker.
It’s a tall order, but one Alexander-Arnold can start to tackle by taking further strides for Liverpool.