Trent: Why we won't get carried away with form
Trent Alexander-Arnold has offered a fascinating insight into the mindset of the U18s squad as they aim to protect a 13-game unbeaten record when they host Ipswich Town in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
The 17-year-old will captain Neil Critchley’s charges as they face the young Tractor Boys at St Helens Langtree Park at 7pm GMT on Wednesday evening, and confidence amongst the Kirkby graduates is high as they begin their cup quest.
The recent win over Everton in the mini-derby stretched their unbeaten run to 13 games - but Alexander-Arnold insists nobody is taking anything for granted.
“After every game we all think about how we have increased the unbeaten run but as soon as Monday comes it’s out of our minds and we just focus on our next game,” the versatile Scouser told Liverpoolfc.com.
“That is important and I think that’s why the run has continued for so long.
“We are not giving ourselves a round of applause and we just want to keep it going and keep up our unbeaten run for as long as we can.
“We have a lot of character in this group of players and we have a lot of determination, and that shows every day in training.
“There is a real competitive edge in training and we take that into the games.
“We go into the matches thinking we should win and we will win, and there’s never a doubt in our minds where we don’t think we can win.”
Asked whether the team will be taking a slightly different approach to their tie with Ipswich, Alexander-Arnold added: “We will still prepare the same for it as in our league games and focus on the game ahead.
“We can’t go in for it with a different mindset to our league games and our approach is the same.
“We wil try and focus on our game and how we are going to play and not focus on the opposition.
“We want the focus to be on us and how we are going to play because we want to be the team who controls the game, dominates possession and get the victory.”
The Academy starlet, who turned 17 on October 7, has featured at right-back, central midfield and on the right wing already this season.
He insists he doesn’t mind what position he plays for Liverpool, and believes having that versatility can only help him in the future.
He said: “I’ve played in different positions and don’t mind where I play for this team.
“I have a positive mindset and I don’t feel negative about playing in different positions because I need to help the team and try and help us win.
“It’s about the team and that’s what matters.”