Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard praises Trent Alexander-Arnold for stepping up to take free-kick in win over Hoffenheim as he admits he was 'delighted' to see him deliver

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold for stepping up when it mattered most.

Alexander-Arnold scored a free-kick for Liverpool's opener in the 2-1 first leg victory away at Hoffenheim in a Champions League play-off on Tuesday night.

With Philippe Coutinho sidelined, it was down to the 18-year-old to take his chance when Sadio Mane was fouled outside the Hoffenheim penalty area by Ermin Bicakcic. He managed to curl the ball round the wall and into the bottom corner.

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates scoring Liverpool's first goal from a free-kick

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard praised Alexander-Arnold's performance on Tuesday night

'It was a fabulous free-kick and it's ironic really because maybe Coutinho might have took this free-kick if he was available,' said Gerrard, who was working as a pundit on BT Sport.

The former Liverpool captain was impressed with Alexander-Arnold for not hiding when an opportunity came his way and having the ability to deliver.

He said: 'It was a fantastic strike and what a night for the kid. He's played superbly well in general but to step up and have the character to take that before the likes of [Jordan] Henderson and [Sadio] Mane. It does say a lot.'

Alexander-Arnold's free-kick beat the Hoffenheim and finished in the bottom corner of the net

Gerrard, an academy coach at Liverpool, also revealed that he wasn't surprised the right back had improved on last season after seeing how hard he works. 

He added: 'I know this kid well. He going to be a top, top player. I think Nathaniel Clyne [currently injured] has to be very, very careful this season because he's already breathing down his neck. And performances like tonight [and] he's letting Jurgen Klopp know he's ready for the big time. 

Gerrard added that he was 'delighted' for the youngster after delivering when it mattered

'He's a great professional. He's down at the academy all the time and he hasn't forgotten where he's come from. He's very ground and always wants to learn.

'I remember him coming into the academy pre-season and asking where he could improve and that type of stuff. I'm absolutely delighted for him and his family and it bodes well for the future.'