Jürgen Klopp praised Trent Alexander-Arnold's reaction to a testing afternoon at Old Trafford as he highlighted the quality possessed by the Liverpool right-back.

The Reds conceded twice in the first half against Manchester United last weekend, both strikes coming from Marcus Rashford, and could not recover sufficiently in losing 2-1.

Immediately after the game, Klopp explained why Alexander-Arnold was not solely responsible for the manner of the goals – and the manager reiterated that view again.

Indeed, with the No.66 hopeful of a sixth successive Premier League appearance when Watford visit Anfield on Saturday evening the boss delivered plaudits for the defender’s development.

“The reason he is playing is not because he is Trent or a Scouser, it’s only because of his quality. That’s why he played,” said Klopp at his pre-match press conference.

“His quality is obvious and his areas for improvement are obvious as well. That his strength is a little bit more in the offensive part of the position is obvious.

“The first goal, he was involved 100 per cent; that was of course not our best defending but not from him alone. He is the youngest of all the players who made a mistake around that situation.

“It can always happen, that’s not a big thing. At his age, he will make mistakes – there is no chance to avoid them constantly.

“Then it’s all about the reaction, and I think he reacted in the game pretty well. He was not too impressed. He is on a very good way.”

The German added: “We have Joe [Gomez] as well, who had a little injury only but that can sometimes mean you are out for two or three games because the other one is playing pretty well. That is what happened.

“Now we will see who will start at the weekend.”