Trent Alexander-Arnold praises 'exceptional' Liverpool ace who thrived this season

Trent Alexander-Arnold has discussed his struggles with injuries last season, praising the 'exceptional' Joe Gomez for stepping up in his absence. 

The Liverpool right-back has missed 16 games for the Reds in 2024 already following knee injuries, while he also sat out almost the entirety of last September with a hamstring problem.

Alexander-Arnold's absence from the Liverpool team is always felt sorely, although the emergence of young Conor Bradley certainly softened the impact.

Liverpool's No.66 was full of praise for the Northern Ireland international, while also giving a special mention to Gomez - who was asked to play both right-back and left-back this season - during an interview with the club's official website.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD OPENS UP ON INJURIES

Alexander-Arnold hasn't suffered with injuries too regularly since breaking into the Liverpool first team under Jurgen Klopp, with this season's fitness woes proving difficult to process.

"Of course it's never nice to be injured. You want to play as many games as you can and help the team, but sometimes these things happen," admitted the defender.

"It was a tough time, it was one that taught me to be patient and a time that was difficult. It's never nice for any player to be injured but it just makes you stronger, appreciate the times when you're fit and able to play games."

The 25-year-old, whose contract expires in 2025, was keen to praise those who stepped up during his time in the treatment room, including Bradley and Gomez.

"You just want people to step up and help the team win games," he added. "Conor did really well throughout that time to be able to step in and do really well.

"Of course Joe Gomez as well, who was exceptional over the course of the season. Both of them have been really good."

To ensure that they have Alexander-Arnold at their disposal for as long as possible, Liverpool have to sort a new contract out for the local lad as quickly as possible amid interest from Real Madrid.