Trent Alexander-Arnold says it took going ‘back to basics’ to overcome a tough personal afternoon in last season’s defeat away to Manchester United.
The Liverpool starlet endured a difficult outing up against England teammate Marcus Rashford, who scored twice in a 2-1 win for the hosts.
It proved a timely learning curve for the right-back amid an outstanding individual season that would go on to see him help the Reds towards a place in the Champions League final.
He wasn’t alone in struggling at Old Trafford either, with a slow start defensively costing Jurgen Klopp’s men dearly ahead of a spirited second half effort.
Reflecting on his display, Alexander-Arnold told the Times’ Paul Joyce: “It was about getting back to basics. Not to overthink things and think you are not good enough at that level, that maybe the level is too good for where you are at.”
“Alex [Inglethorpe, Liverpool’s academy director] helped me with that, the manager here [Jürgen Klopp] and also the people around me who support me.”
“They just guided me through the tough time around that game. I would probably say it was the hardest point of my career up to then. It is something that has helped me learn, progress and move forward.”
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It remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold is confronted directly by Rashford once again, with the 21-year-old having predominantly featured centrally under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Liverpool’s local favourite is set to make his first league since missing three games between mid-January and early February with a minor knee problem.
Just over two years since making his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw away to United, Alexander-Arnold is preparing to return to Old Trafford with title ambitions in mind.