Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has admitted that he draws inspiration from Chelsea legend Ashley Cole. The 20-year-old Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as being one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. He has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, making 22 Premier League appearances so far this term, scoring one goal and recording six assists.
Alexander-Arnold is arguably one of the best youth products of the Reds since the legendary Steven Gerrard and has made 47 top-flight appearances since being integrated into the club’s first-team in 2016.
Left-back Cole, who is now playing in the Championship for Frank Lampard’s Derby County, is widely regarded as being one of the best defenders in the world during his prime. During his time with Arsenal and Chelsea, Cole won three Premier League titles, several FA Cups, one League Cup, one Champions League and one Europa League. He is also a one-time England Player of the Year and two-time Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year award winner.
Cole was a key part of the England national team during the 2000s and made 107 appearances for the Three Lions between 2001-2014. He was a participant during the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and the European Championships of 2004 and 2012.
It will certainly be good for both Liverpool and England if Alexander-Arnold can go on to have a similar, if not more successful career than Cole. As quoted by Metro, Alexander-Arnold said: “When I was like 16 I was probably a centre defensive midfielder, somebody who liked to get on the ball and make things happen.
“That’s up to the manager. I’m happy to play wherever he puts me I think.
“Right now obviously he sees me as a full-back and I’m more than happy playing there. I think it’s important to bring different dimensions to the position.
“Obviously when I was growing up Ashley Cole came in and showed that you don’t have to just be a defender as a full-back. He came in and dominated going forward, brought a new dimension and changed the way full-backs are now.”
