LIVERPOOL YOUNGSTER TRENT Alexander-Arnold insists that he is not intimidated by the prospect of marking Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming Champions League final.
Alexander-Arnold seems certain to start for Liverpool against Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday, as the Reds aim to end a 13-year wait for a European trophy.
The 19-year-old has become integral for Liverpool this season. John Powell
John Powell
The full-back will likely be up against Madrid talisman Ronaldo, as Los Blancos hunt down a third successive Champions League triumph, but Alexander-Arnold insists he will focus on his own game, rather than the qualities of the opposition.
I have trained for 13 years for these moments, these types of games,” he explained to the Telegraph. “You prepare yourself for it without even knowing.
Advertisement
“That is the main thing, to keep striving, to focus on myself and make sure I get a good game. Then there is more chance of me not giving him [Ronaldo] too many chances to do what he does best.”
The 19-year-old has become a key feature in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side this term, capitalising on Nathaniel Clyne’s injury woes to take up the mantle as the club’s first-choice right-back.
Ronaldo has scored 15 goals in the Champions League this season. Getty Images
Getty Images
His superb form for the Reds in the Premier League and their run to the Champions League final has earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
However, the teenager says that it is only the speed in which he has risen to prominence that has surprised him, and not the fact he has made it to the international stage.
“I have always thought ‘take a step at a time’,” Alexander-Arnold, who is yet to make his senior England debut, added.
“Even though it is hard to say this, I have never felt overwhelmed in that situation.
Every situation has been a goal and a dream so I have thought about it many times and nothing has really been a surprise.
“Even though the timing has been a surprise – I never felt right now I would be going to a World Cup – I always dreamed I would be going at some point.
“I have thought things over in my mind millions of times growing up. Every situation that has happened I have imagined.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
17 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
'I've trained 13 years for these moments' - Alexander-Arnold not overwhelmed facing Ronaldo
LIVERPOOL YOUNGSTER TRENT Alexander-Arnold insists that he is not intimidated by the prospect of marking Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming Champions League final.
Alexander-Arnold seems certain to start for Liverpool against Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday, as the Reds aim to end a 13-year wait for a European trophy.
The full-back will likely be up against Madrid talisman Ronaldo, as Los Blancos hunt down a third successive Champions League triumph, but Alexander-Arnold insists he will focus on his own game, rather than the qualities of the opposition.
“That is the main thing, to keep striving, to focus on myself and make sure I get a good game. Then there is more chance of me not giving him [Ronaldo] too many chances to do what he does best.”
The 19-year-old has become a key feature in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side this term, capitalising on Nathaniel Clyne’s injury woes to take up the mantle as the club’s first-choice right-back.
His superb form for the Reds in the Premier League and their run to the Champions League final has earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
However, the teenager says that it is only the speed in which he has risen to prominence that has surprised him, and not the fact he has made it to the international stage.
“I have always thought ‘take a step at a time’,” Alexander-Arnold, who is yet to make his senior England debut, added.
“Even though it is hard to say this, I have never felt overwhelmed in that situation.
“Even though the timing has been a surprise – I never felt right now I would be going to a World Cup – I always dreamed I would be going at some point.
“I have thought things over in my mind millions of times growing up. Every situation that has happened I have imagined.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Ireland striker Sammon misses late play-off penalty as club relegated from Scottish top-flight
Seven Ireland newcomers and a cameo from Celtic great Larsson as Scott Brown’s testimonial ends in draw
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
England FIFA World Cup Football Gareth Southgate Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Ready To Rumble Real Madrid trent alexander-arnold