Jurgen Klopp hails Trent Alexander-Arnold for having the ‘balls’ to take free-kick which set Liverpool on their way against Hoffenheim
The young right back scored a beauty from 25 yards as Liverpool beat Hoffenheim 2-1 in Germany
JURGEN KLOPP saluted Trent Alexander-Arnold for having the 'balls' to score a wonder goal on his European debut.
The Kop kid might not have even taken the 25-yard free-kick if wantaway Philippe Coutinho had been fit for this Champions League play-off in Germany.
But boss Klopp said: “For an 18-year-old who has the balls to take a free-kick like that, it is rather exciting.
“He is an incredible young player. I told him he had to take the free-kick — he was the only one who can do it. He can shoot free-kicks better than I ever could.”
Club legend Steven Gerrard said: “It was a fabulous free-kick and it’s ironic really because Coutinho might have taken it if he was available.
“What a night for the kid. To have the character to take that before the likes of Henderson and Mane says a lot.
“I know this kid very well, he’s going to be a top, top player and Nathaniel Clyne has to be very, very careful this season because he is already breathing down his neck.”
Fellow Anfield legend Jamie Carragher tweeted a picture of himself leading out Liverpool for a Carling Cup clash against Leeds in 2009 — with Alexander-Arnold, then ten years old, as a mascot.
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The youngster said: “It’s a thing of dreams to make your European debut and to mark it with a goal was very special.
“I kinda got egged on to take it and then put my hand up and I had the confidence to take it.”
Skipper Jordan Henderson said: “The free-kick is no coincidence, he has been doing that every week in training.”
Liverpool were heading for the Champions League group stages when James Milner’s shot deflected in off Havard Nordtveit after 74 minutes.
But Hoffenheim sub Mark Uth made next Wednesday’s second leg at Anfield interesting with an 87th-minute goal.