Trent Alexander-Arnold has been speaking about pre-season ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, and says he has been impressed with all the young players who have been with the senior team this summer.
The likes of Yasser Larouci and Bobby Duncan have impressed when given the chance, and even though they will go back to playing for the U18s and U23s this season, they have had a taste of senior action which could prove invaluable.
Asked by LiverpoolFC.com if there are any young players who remind him of himself at the same age, Alexander-Arnold did offer a name.
He said: “The biggest one is probably Ki [-Jana Hoever, who signed his first professional contract with the club this week], a quiet lad who goes about his business. [He is a lad who] wants to be given an opportunity and take it when he can.
“I would probably say him if I was comparing any of them to me, but I think they understand they’ve just got to be themselves around the lads – whether you’re loud or whether you’re quiet, there are different personalities and you’ve just got to be prepared to adjust and adapt to the way the first team go about things.”
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As impressive young talents go, 17-year-old Hoever is right up there. The Dutchman did well at right-back against Lyon, in particular, though he is expected to be a centre-back in the long-term.
He will get most minutes for the U23s this season, but Hoever is almost certain to add to his senior debut against Wolves that came in January in the FA Cup with more sporadic senior appearances in 2019/20.