Klopp hints at start for teenager against Southampton

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  • Jurgen Klopp set to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back into starting eleven
  • Liverpool defender Joe Gomez to miss Southampton clash through injury
  • Young duo have shared the workload in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence this season
  • SEE MORE: Klopp: Why I employed GK consultant Hans Leitert

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to retain his place in Liverpool’s starting lineup for this Sunday’s clash with Southampton due to Joe Gomez’s extended absence.

The young defenders have often been rotated by Jurgen Klopp this season amid Nathaniel Clyne’s lengthy injury absence.

Both have taken meaningful strides in their development in recent months, giving the Reds’ boss no qualms over their ability to meet his high standards.

With Gomez set to miss out due to the same injury that sidelined him in last week’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, Alexander-Arnold will get another chance to stake his claim for a stretch of games in the side.

“It’s good for him that he doesn’t have to play every week. He is still a young boy,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.

“He improved a lot, especially in training, in the last few months. In the beginning he trained a little bit like a kid, ups and downs.”

“[Now] it’s a consistent high level, good attitude and he can show his skills. The football part of the position seems to be pretty easy for him; he is really quick, he has a fantastic right foot, the left foot is not too bad, really good crosses, football smart, a good view for spaces.”

Joe Gomez – Image by Liverpoolfc.com

“That’s all good. But [he has] a lot to learn of course. We probably have the two youngest full-backs in the league pretty much, and now Joe is out. So it is really good that we have Trent.”

“He developed a lot, like Joe did – different players obviously but both can play the position. That helps us a lot. Now he is in charge, that’s good for us and good for him. Hopefully he can deliver again.”

Both have proven to be capable options this campaign and arguably been the glaring positives to emerge from Liverpool’s ever-scrutinised defence.

Gomez in particular has progressed admirably and demonstrated further signs to suggest there is a future for him at Anfield in his preferred central role.

His teammate has similarly been a standout feature to Liverpool’s season, establishing himself as something of an underrated attacking outlet down the right-hand side.

The pair have promised Clyne a seriously tough task breaking back into the team when he eventually recovers from injury.

Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion this weekend will come as no shock at this stage, but the fact Klopp need not think twice about it serves as testament to how impressive the teenager has been.

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