'Big compliments to Trent - he showed his quality'
Ragnar Klavan was quick to praise the efforts of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender gave an accomplished display in his first Premier League start during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
The 18-year-old Scouser was a late replacement for Nathaniel Clyne, who was ruled out of the clash with Jose Mourinho’s side due to a rib/abdominal injury.
The fearless performance from Alexander-Arnold certainly didn’t go unnoticed in the Liverpool dressing room, with the experienced Klavan more than impressed.
“Really big compliments to Trent,” Klavan told Liverpoolfc.com.
“To step in at such short notice a couple of hours before the game and then perform like he did at Old Trafford, that shows he has a lot of quality and he’s a good player.”
Reflecting on the result at Old Trafford, the Estonian international admitted there were mixed emotions after the game as he felt the Reds could easily have taken all three points.
He said: “We are a little bit disappointed because we were leading and then gave it away, but all in all it was a good performance from us, especially in the first half when we could play a lot.
“In the second half, we had some phases where we were under a bit of pressure but we also had a couple of good chances as well.
“There were a lot of balls into the box but this is their quality and they have a lot of big and strong players, especially in the last minutes when they brought [Marouane] Fellaini onto the pitch, and it was a good fight.”
LFCTV GO: Klavan reflects on United draw
Klavan also reserved special praise for Simon Mignolet, who produced a succession of vital saves during the encounter.
“He has been amazing for us,” said Liverpool’s No.17.
“He is always there for us when needed and he’s doing a brilliant job.”
The second period saw Philippe Coutinho make his Premier League return and the Brazilian had an immediate impact by creating a good opening for Roberto Firmino.
Klavan welcomed the No.10’s comeback from injury as a major boost for the team.
He added: “You could see straight away when he came on, with a couple of touches he created some really good opportunities.
“His quality is massive and everybody is delighted he is back on the field and he can help us.”