"I knew he was special" - Steve McManaman on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has said that he always knew Trent Alexander-Arnold could be a special player.

The 23-year-old right-back, who graduated from Liverpool's academy, is one of Jurgen Klopp's best players.

Alexander-Arnold is a defender by trade, but he is superb going forward. He has scored 12 goals and registered 62 assists in 225 appearances for the club's first-team.

Alexander-Arnold has also won six major trophies with the Reds. However, the Scouser's rise has not entirely surprised McManaman.

As quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, he told the Times the following: “I knew he was special (when he was coming through the academy), but (his development) is all down to him and his hard work.

“To be as successful and explosive you have to improve year on year. We’ve all seen stand out kids at 16 or 17, but they have to keep improving - and he didn’t win (the) Young Player of the Year.

“(It) just shows you Phil Foden must have had an incredible year if he was to better Trent Alexander-Arnold. When you’re 17 you have to push on: Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are going to have to do it if they want to play 100-250 games for Liverpool.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Alexander-Arnold is a generational talent. The right-back is also a boyhood Liverpool fan.

Therefore, it is unlikely that Alexander-Arnold would leave the club at any stage throughout his career.

With that being the case, we could see a world where the Scouser becomes the captain of the club.

Alexander-Arnold is a good role model, so he would grow into a decent leader over time.

But, with Jordan Henderson still showing the way, we want Alexander-Arnold to focus purely on his football for the time being.