Paul Merson believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has proven he is a future England international with his stunning season for Liverpool.
The academy graduate has followed up rare first-team opportunities across 2016/2017 by slotting in as an accomplished alternative in Nathaniel Clyne’s lengthy injury absence this season.
He now looks increasingly difficult for Clyne to dislodge from the starting lineup following his recent return to fitness.
Admiration for the teenager has recently breached the walls of Anfield and Melwood and dispersed throughout the country in light of his mature displays in the Champions League against Manchester City and Roma.
His prominence in Jurgen Klopp’s setup and swift progression has even seen him tipped as an outsider for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, although Merson admits the World Cup could come too soon.
Merson wrote in the Daily Star: “Trent Alexander-Arnold is my unsung hero of the season because he’s come from nowhere at Liverpool and been very impressive.”
“He’s sneaked under the radar a little bit at times but I think he deserves more credit. He’s a young lad playing for a big club where you’re always under pressure.”
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“But he’s handled it so, so well. Yes, he’s made mistakes but he’s always bounced back and to be the best player on the pitch in a Champions League semi-final is phenomenal.”
“He never hides, and while the World Cup will come a bit too soon for him, he’s an England player for the future all day long.”
Besides continuing to improve defensively, the teenager has asserted himself as a less-coveted attacking outlet courtesy of his expansive passing range and crisp execution.
His roots as a midfielder have glistened through his composure on the ball and seen him surface as a valuable option in Klopp’s midfield three amid Liverpool’s recent injury crisis.
The technical ability has decorated a local vigour and passion responsible for his connection with the Anfield faithful, evidenced by his post-match celebrations with the travelling Reds in Rome.
At this rate, he is an undoubted future Liverpool and England regular.