TAA backs ‘frightening’ Liverpool teen duo to thrive
Trent Alexander-Arnold says the potential of Liverpool teens Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon is “frightening” as he takes on a mentoring role.
18-year-old Elliott impressed on loan with Blackburn Rovers last season, notching seven goals and 11 assists in the Championship.
Gordon is yet to make his senior bow but scored six goals in eight games for the U18s last season.
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And Alexander-Arnold explained to The Athletic that he’s enjoying his mentorship role with the pair, using the skills he learned from Jordan Henderson to help them at Anfield.
He said: “I’ve wanted to be with them (Elliott and Gordon) like Hendo was with me — a mentor,” he says. “Hendo tried to lead by example and show me the way. Everything I do is trying to set the example for them, just as Hendo did for me.
“I think I’ve got a really good bond with the pair of them. Kaide has so much potential; it’s frightening, really. Same with Harvey. Going out last season and getting experience (seven goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances on loan to Blackburn Rovers of the Championship) has been good for him. Hopefully this season he’ll get some more minutes under his belt and try and establish himself as part of the first-team set-up.
“It’s an exciting time, to see two young lads come through. Kaide will be looking up to Mo (Mohamed Salah) and trying to pick bits from him because, on and off the pitch, Mo is an outstanding athlete and an outstanding person. He looks after himself really well and is dedicated to his craft and the game.
“As a young lad, there aren’t many more places you want to be than Liverpool if you look at how seriously everyone takes the game and how dedicated people are in terms of making them the best version of themselves every day.”
Alexander-Arnold also explained the impact of the lack of fans at Anfield last season and backed Liverpool to come good again with a full stadium.
He added: “The fans impacted us the most last year, we felt it,” Alexander-Arnold says. “To have them back should impact upon us the most again. It will give us a big boost. We’re all excited for it, because it brings a certain level of intimidation to the other team. Anfield can become hostile and loud very quickly. People don’t shut up once they sense a weakness. The stands are tight to the pitch and they’re high. Then you have You’ll Never Walk Alone and the history.
“I know that I wouldn’t want to come to Anfield as an opposition player. The occasion is huge. Then you have to consider the team. It all combines to make sure we go out there and win. Last season, we missed a lot of that massively.”
