Trent Alexander-Arnold is keen to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool greats Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher by acting as inspiration to players in the academy.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene with both club and country last season, playing in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat before heading to the World Cup with England.
Alexander-Arnold settled straight into Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield and has made the right-back position his own.
He then went on Russia, turning out in the 1-0 group-stage defeat to Belgium as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions finished fourth and he remains a part of the squad moving forwards.
Despite his tender age, Alexander-Arnold is already looking to give back to the youngsters coming through the ranks at Liverpool and recalls when Carragher was present as he signed for the academy.
“It’s a privilege to play for the team I have always loved and always wanted to play for,” he said.
“I have never felt pressure. I have always felt that it’s a blessing and I am happy to be part of the team and walk out at Anfield with the Liverpool badge on my chest.
“I was at the under-9s signing ceremony at Anfield in May, I think it was. I saw the pre-Academy turn into the Academy. I remember when I did it, Jamie Carragher was there.
“He signed me and I got my picture taken with him and it was a dream come true. Seeing the smiles on all the young faces was incredible.”
Asked about being in a similar position to Carragher now, Alexander-Arnold added: “It’s hard to believe.
“Hopefully I’m a decent role model for them to look up to, to work hard and to aspire to become.
“The likes of Gerrard and Carragher were there for me, they were what I wanted to become and they gave me that bit more inspiration to work hard in the Academy. Hopefully I’m doing the same for them.”