'Trent Alexander-Arnold's attitude is world-class'

The full-back returned to the starting line-up against Red Star Belgrade in midweek having sat out the Reds’ previous two outings in the Premier League.

Henderson has paid tribute to Alexander-Arnold’s ‘world-class’ response – and detailed how his ‘team comes first’ approach is one shared among the squad.

The captain, who misses today’s clash with Cardiff City due to a hamstring injury, wrote in his column for the official matchday programme: “As a player you want to be selected for every minute of every game. We are all the same. You won’t find a player in the Liverpool dressing room that isn’t desperate to start each and every week, but we all understand ultimately only 11 can. So, it’s how you react that defines you.

“With that in mind it’s worth pointing out that Trent Alexander-Arnold has demonstrated in the past fortnight just why his attitude and approach is world-class. Trent has had an unbelievable last couple of years and the past 12 to 14 months in particular have seen him establish himself for the club and become one of the best full-backs in the country.

“He turned 20 years old just before we played Manchester City, but then found himself coming out of the starting XI for a couple of games. I can tell you, having been in that exact position as a young player myself, it won’t have been easy, but not even for a second did he let it affect him. His reaction – in training, in the dressing room and around the lads – was typical Trent.

“No fuss or drama and completely trusting in the decisions being made by the manager and the coaching staff. Trent gets that the team always comes first, which at such a young age is impressive. I loved seeing how well he played on Wednesday. He didn’t play like he needed to prove anything because he doesn’t. He continued where he left off – performing brilliantly and contributing to a really important win. Trent has the mentality to match his ability and it’s why he’ll be at the top for years and years to come.

“For us to be able to make changes and bring in players who maybe hadn’t featured as often as they’d have ideally wanted to until that point – yet the team still functions like it does and got the job done – is testimony to the boys’ attitude at Melwood day in and day out. We all know we have to be ready when the moment comes because at this level there isn’t any moment where you can coast or ease off.

“We all trust and believe in each other and I think that’s showing in the results we’ve got so far. It’s important in the here and now, but if we are to be successful it will be vital over the course of an entire season.”

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