Topic: Trent Alexander-Arnold

[Redcap]

Johnson at his best was much better on the ball that Arnolds current ability.

Correct.

Johnson was a world class RB at his best. It's just a pity we only really saw the best of him in his first season in a red shirt, when the rest of the team was falling to pieces. A bit like Harry Kewell really, in the sense that we got one good season out of both of them.

[AaronSingh25]

Correct.

Johnson was a world class RB at his best.

The game is always full of opinions, and you can argue over many issues - but one thing is for sure - Glen Johnson was never ever world class. A good engine, good pace, but overall a poor defender (which was what he in the team to do) - this last part is of course an opinion.

I like the look of Trent. Would like to see him bulk up in the coming seasons and get stronger.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

The game is always full of opinions, and you can argue over many issues - but one thing is for sure - Glen Johnson was never ever world class. A good engine, good pace, but overall a poor defender (which was what he in the team to do) - this last part is of course an opinion.

I like the look of Trent. Would like to see him bulk up in the coming seasons and get stronger.

The discussion was about on the ball though. There were very few better than peak Johnson in that regard, largely because he was great with both feet, and partly because he had a much better football brain than given credit for. At his best he could play a variety of passes which really helped open up the pitch for us. Unfortunately, as time wore on, Johnson lost that searing pace he had which meant he always looked to go on the inside and made him more predictable. Hence those annoying left-footed shots which very rarely came off.

[So… Howard Philips]

If we are comparing Trent to Johnson I hope Trent is working hard at learning to defend properly, because Glen wasn't a great defender and seemed to set the bar for almost but not quite good enough, see also Skrtel and Enrique.

If Trent can develop the defensive part of his job he could certainly be an understudy for Clyne and hopefully, a better defender than Glen, who wasn't a bad footballer but not a top defender.

[RedForeverTT]

At 19, TAA needs to break into the first team and getting regular games but it will be very difficult to push Clyne out of the side.

Defensively, Clyne is the best right back in the league even ahead of Kyle Walker. I am a huge fan.

[Schmidt]

At 19, TAA needs to break into the first team and getting regular games but it will be very difficult to push Clyne out of the side.

Defensively, Clyne is the best right back in the league even ahead of Kyle Walker. I am a huge fan.

TAA will be fine, he's second choice already and Clyne has his flaws. I think we'll see him get to play most of the domestic cup games next season and probably a few leagues games here and there.

[ThePeetmix]

At 19, TAA needs to break into the first team and getting regular games but it will be very difficult to push Clyne out of the side.

Defensively, Clyne is the best right back in the league even ahead of Kyle Walker. I am a huge fan.

At 19? At 19 he's in a superb position right now. Get him experience around the squad reading for a potential european season.

[Aceldama]

He's 18 for another 7 1/2 months.

[KurtVerbose]

His first name is a last name, and his last name is two first names.

It makes him sound like a minor aristocrat from the 1920's.

I like that.

[phil236849]

Generally I agree with the Johnson comments,  but I have already seen Trent whip in crosses in a manner I can't remember any rb apart from Gerrard doing

[Pistolero]

At 19, TAA needs to break into the first team and getting regular games

Yes, he'll be 20 before you know it and then where will he be?.....

[Joe Public]

He's 18 for another 7 1/2 months.

True. But then he will be Ninininininininininin 19.

[jillcwhomever]

At 19, TAA needs to break into the first team and getting regular games but it will be very difficult to push Clyne out of the side.

Defensively, Clyne is the best right back in the league even ahead of Kyle Walker. I am a huge fan.

Klopp has already made it quite clear in an interview with Jonathan Norcroft that he is prepared to wait for the youngsters. The fact that Trent is already training on a regular basis with the first team, is an indication that he has plenty of time to prove himself. There is no hurry for him, or otherwise he wouldn't be part of the first team squad.

[RedForeverTT]

My bad, he is indeed 18.

It will be hard-pressed for TAA to dethrone Clyne but I think he will good player to have to offer squad rotation.

I feel that Gerrard, Owen and Sterling was more accomplished than TAA at 18. Maybe it was due to his teenage physique, I feel he isn't quite ready to face premier league bullies every week until bulked up.

[Redcap]

My bad, he is indeed 18.

It will be hard-pressed for TAA to dethrone Clyne but I think he will good player to have to offer squad rotation.

I feel that Gerrard, Owen and Sterling was more accomplished than TAA at 18. Maybe it was due to his teenage physique, I feel he isn't quite ready to face premier league bullies every week until bulked up.

Loads of players that turned out good/great were also less accomplished at 18. Ashley Cole wasn't up to much until he returned from loan and broke into the Arsenal team age 20. Jonas Hector made his first appearance for Koln age 22 etc. On the other hand, Luke Shaw made a big splash age 17-18 for Southampton and his career has since cratered.

There's no need to expect every promising young player to follow the same career trajectory. They're in good hands at Liverpool.

[ThePoolMan]

The last world class RB we had was Markus Babbel. Before that, Rob Jones was the best RB we had whose career was sadly curtailed by injuries.

Glen Johnson was a good RB but he was never world class. I should hope that Trent Arnold can do better than Johnson - given that he is only 18 and is already second choice RB, he certainly has time on his side.

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

His first name is a last name, and his last name is two first names.

It makes him sound like a minor aristocrat from the 1920's.

I like that.

Post of the year wrapped up already!

[Kochevnik]

The last world class RB we had was Markus Babbel. Before that, Rob Jones was the best RB we had whose career was sadly curtailed by injuries.

Glen Johnson was a good RB but he was never world class. I should hope that Trent Arnold can do better than Johnson - given that he is only 18 and is already second choice RB, he certainly has time on his side.

World-class fullbacks are pretty much a luxury for a side like ours, though.  We're not likely to ever have one, and Klopp never really did when he had all his success at Dortmund (though he did get an awful lot out of some decent-but-not-great players!).

I'd be perfectly happy for TAA to reach Johnson's peak level in the next 2 years.  Sure, it'd be nice if he got even better than that, and I think he could, but I'd take that and be really satisfied if he's at that level at age 20.  Give us solid backup behind Clyne, probably get a lot of minutes, and develop him properly.  His physical ability is such that he really is capable of being pretty special (if not exactly the second coming of Dani Alves) in the position if we have the patience to stick with him.

[Chalky Boots]

The last world class RB we had was Markus Babbel. Before that, Rob Jones was the best RB we had whose career was sadly curtailed by injuries.

Glen Johnson was a good RB but he was never world class. I should hope that Trent Arnold can do better than Johnson - given that he is only 18 and is already second choice RB, he certainly has time on his side.

Absolutely. I did like Glen and there was a couple of spells where he was outstanding, at first under Rafa and that little intersecting patch under Kenny and Rodgers but beyond that he was nowhere near a standard bearer for a fullback. He had everything but I was never at all impressed with his ability to serve the ball in the pass, plus his engine was questionable. Don't doubt he had his moments but I'm relived we have Clyne and Trent.

Babbel was outstanding, Rob was great prior to injury, Alvaro was solid and snide whilst I always had a soft spot for Finnan but I think Trent should be looking to be better than at the very least the latter two.

[phoenician]

Generally I agree with the Johnson comments,  but I have already seen Trent whip in crosses in a manner I can't remember any rb apart from Gerrard doing

Steve Finnan could put in a quality cross.

[jillcwhomever]

Trent's crossing has been first rate for the under 23's when he has played in those games. He has also proved it with the first team as well. He has come on incredibly well in his short time since moving to Melwood. Hopefully he will get another chance to impress this season, especially if we manage to get a good run going. I think he has the perfect temprement to make it, and the manager seems to think so too, considering he has kept him at Melwood this season. I still think he and Ben Woodburn will be lent back to the under 23's, as they have some crucial matches coming up.

[88_RED]

The lad has everything you could wish for in a modern day fullback.. He's quick, likes to get forward at every opportunity, can put in a quality cross, and lastly but most importantly knows how to defend..

[newterp]

Is he going on loan to fiorentina too?

[jillcwhomever]

Is he going on loan to fiorentina too?

Who?

[Andy]

Is he going on loan to fiorentina too?

Did wonders for Flanagan.

[Garnier]

Is he going on loan to fiorentina too?

Can't. He's cup tied.

[Redcap]

World-class fullbacks are pretty much a luxury for a side like ours, though.  We're not likely to ever have one, and Klopp never really did when he had all his success at Dortmund (though he did get an awful lot out of some decent-but-not-great players!).

I'd be perfectly happy for TAA to reach Johnson's peak level in the next 2 years.  Sure, it'd be nice if he got even better than that, and I think he could, but I'd take that and be really satisfied if he's at that level at age 20.  Give us solid backup behind Clyne, probably get a lot of minutes, and develop him properly.  His physical ability is such that he really is capable of being pretty special (if not exactly the second coming of Dani Alves) in the position if we have the patience to stick with him.

Johnson was world class at his peak. The stuff that he could do with a football was as good as any of the top fullbacks over the years could produce, maybe other than Dani Alves. If he could get to that level in 2 years, I'd be ecstatic.

I'd argue Piszczek was world class as well, at his peak. Certainly going forward, there were few better. Good as Milly has been this season, having a peak level Piszcek would have quite possibly won us games like Burnley and Hull.

[4pool]

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored twice as England U19s eased to a 3-0 victory over Spain at St George's Park on Friday afternoon.

Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold helped the Young Lions seal qualification for the U19 European Championship with a goal in each half.

The 18-year-old Scouser opened the scoring after just nine minutes, then doubled England's advantage with a penalty midway through the second period.

A late third goal from Arsenal forward Chris Willock wrapped up all three points for Keith Downing's side, who have sealed their spot at the U19 Euros with a qualifying game to spare.

[SwordInYourGut]

World-class fullbacks are pretty much a luxury for a side like ours, though.  We're not likely to ever have one, and Klopp never really did when he had all his success at Dortmund (though he did get an awful lot out of some decent-but-not-great players!).

Piszczek was world class at his best.

[TepidT2O]

I wonder where he will end up.

Right back is quite new for him.  It may give him a way into the first team with Europe and cups next season, but his future is surely midfield?

[gazzam1963]

Remember when Steven Gerrard started out there were calls for him to develop as a right back , tommy smith was always on about this in his echo column , he may well develop in a different position in the next few years , he won't be the first . Someone mentioned Markus Babel he was signed as a centre half iirc and ended up at right back ...and around then carra started off as a midfielder . Just case of wait and see but a good player who coukd become a great one .

[mrantarctica]

Very good player, and good competition for Clyne. Lets hope he stays injury free and can continue to progress.

[Jayworden99]

Would give him a run in the team personally, on form and Clyne could do with a rest

[Raaphael]

Does TAA play right back for the reserves? Is that his natural position?

[Jayworden99]

Does TAA play right back for the reserves? Is that his natural position?

He played right midfield a few times for the reserves and also for England under 19s but is also strong in right back

[paulrazor]

The last world class RB we had was Markus Babbel. Before that, Rob Jones was the best RB we had whose career was sadly curtailed by injuries.

Glen Johnson was a good RB but he was never world class. I should hope that Trent Arnold can do better than Johnson - given that he is only 18 and is already second choice RB, he certainly has time on his side.

no mention of Finnan. He was our best right back since jones. Longevity gets him there over Babbel

[paulrazor]

Would give him a run in the team personally, on form and Clyne could do with a rest

Clyne's form has been poor since January

at least now we have competition there. i wasnt that impressed against united with him, but thats not me writing him off. It was a huge task for him that day.

[El Lobo]

no mention of Finnan. He was our best right back since jones. Longevity gets him there over Babbel

He certainly wasn't world class though, Babbel was probably borderline for a short amount of time.

[paulrazor]

He certainly wasn't world class though, Babbel was probably borderline for a short amount of time.

no

he wasnt world class but certainly very solid, dependable and under rated.

[Chalky Boots]

Would give him a run in the team personally, on form and Clyne could do with a rest

I think we'd be better served in resting Milner, moving Clyne to LB and giving trent the rest of the season.

So far as his development goes I'd rather he stays a right back. It's not hard to find good top class midfielders but it's a different matter all together finding great fullbacks. You look at Germany, probably still the best nation about, and they're playing Kimmich RB because they've loads of good central midfielders, he'll probably play there for Bayern as well when Lahm retires this summer; which means they'll have two elite fullbacks who'd be very good (maybe not quite elite) central midfielders with him and Alaba.