Trent not taking Watford chance for granted
If Trent Alexander-Arnold is picked to start at Watford this weekend, the chance will not be wasted.
The 18-year-old could be named in a Premier League XI for only the third time when Liverpool travel to Vicarage Road on Saturday, with Nathaniel Clyne currently sidelined due to injury.
Alexander-Arnold has been unruffled on each step of his blossoming career to date and, while the defender accepts nothing is guaranteed, he intends to grab the opportunity should it materialise.
“I’m not sure whether I will get that opportunity but I am hoping to take it if I do get it,” he told newspaper reporters ahead of the opener.
“There is still time before the first game and I will be fighting for that position, as will all the other lads. There are a lot of strong players here and we could put two different teams out at the start of the season.
“But hopefully the chance comes. You just hope for the opportunity. If I do get told I am playing against Watford I will look to take that chance.”
Whatever does come Alexander-Arnold’s way this term, he will be rightly buoyed by his performance during the pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich earlier in the month.
The young Scouser faced no less a name and reputation than Franck Ribery – but passed the examination with distinction as the Reds routed the hosts 3-0 at Allianz Arena.
“I try not to pay too much respect to the players I am playing against,” said the No.66.
“I think that is what can affect you. You have to go out there and focus on yourself and not who you are up against. It was obviously going to be a tough task going up against a world-class player and one of the best.
“You just have to see it as a chance and that is what I do every time the manager picks me. I just have to take the opportunity and show why I deserve that chance. I tried to do that against Bayern.”