Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold following the youngster’s late assist in the 2-1 victory over Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.
Alexander-Arnold, 21, came off the bench to assist fellow substitute Roberto Firmino in the 91st minute to set up Saturday’s final against Flamengo.
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool after scoring their team’s second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between Monterrey and Liverpool FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 18, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The England international has now registered 20 assists in all club competitions during 2019, the most of any Premier League player.
Following the match, Johnson – who was on punditry duties in the BBC Sport studio – was left in awe of the Alexander-Arnold’s latest stroke of brilliance.
Speaking about the goal, Johnson said: “I give more credit to Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
“It’s a great pass because he’s left it in a dangerous area. Some people would have seen that space coming and would have put too much pace on it so either Firmino couldn’t get on it or it would have been too hard for Firmino to control the finish.
“The fact he has almost waited for them {the defence} to create the space and left the ball with the right pace is the difference between it being a goal”.
Liverpool’s English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (C) greets the fans following the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final football match between Mexico’s Monterrey and England’s Liverpool at the Khalifa International Stadium in the Qatari capital Doha on December 18, 2019. – Liverpool will face Flamengo in the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup on December 21. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP) (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold has an impressive 28 assists in 110 appearances for the European champions since his debut in September 2016.
The Liverpool academy graduate became the youngest player to ever start in consecutive Champions League finals whilst quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared right-backs in world football.
No other Reds player has racked up more assists since the start of last season than Alexander-Arnold. The local lad has made the full-back position one of Liverpool’s best-attacking assets and proved he can be the difference in games even when only featuring for just over 30 minutes.