Steven Gerrard has encouraged his youth players to use Trent Alexander-Arnold’s achievements as inspiration for their own development.
The U18s manager highlighted the right-back as a surprise role-model after his involvement in Liverpool’s 7-0 Champions League thrashing of NK Maribor in midweek.
Alexander-Arnold was rarely tested defensively, but his presence in the starting lineup alone served as a reminder of how far he has progressed in the last year.
Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was great to see that Trent performed well and he got a goal, and hopefully our players that watched the game will be thinking ‘there was a chance for Trent, so why isn’t there one for me if I work hard enough?’”
“You see how it’s done from a level above and the first team put a show on.”
“I thought they were absolutely clinical from all over the pitch. What impressed me the most is when they were 3-0 up, 4-0 and 5-0 they were relentless and they kept on going and could have even got a few more.”
“We’ve got a manager who, if you are a good enough and you show consistency, he will put you in and give you a chance.”
“This is a football club that gives youngsters an opportunity if you are good enough.”
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Besides playing under the guidance of Gerrard, Liverpool’s youth prospects also have the first team opportunities for the likes of Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn to use as motivation.
The platform is there for those plying their trade in the U18s and U23s to work towards a senior team call-up.
The fact a chance in the first team beckons for all is testament to not only the Reds’ devotion to youth development, but also the level of quality on the club’s books.
It all comes down to who wants it most.