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One to Watch: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold shows impressive ability vs Brighton

Who could have imagined Trent Alexander-Arnold would be this good, this soon?

World class full-backs are a dime a dozen at the best of times, but in finding one of the world’s best within their own academy, Liverpool must be counting their blessings to be in the position they are in with the Englishman.

Given a run of games early last season, due to an injury to Nathaniel Clyne, Alexander-Arnold not only took his chance, but produced a string of performances that ultimately made a mockery of what Clyne had done before him – which was not all that bad either.

Now, the 19-year-old has started this season in devastating form.

On the weekend against Brighton, the Englishman produced his best performance of the season thus far.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

After striking the post with a free-kick a quarter of an hour into the game, he only got better.

He resembled the controlled, calm presence that he is when playing at his best – a far cry from the uneasy defensive performances in a couple of games early last season.

Alexander-Arnold completed three tackles, but admittedly did not have a lot of defensive work to do.

Instead, he once again showcased his array of attacking qualities, honed during his time playing as a central midfielder in various age groups at youth level for Liverpool.

His sweetly struck curling free-kick was just one example, while daring diagonal balls through midfield perhaps exemplified it best.

The English full-back only completed 81% of his passes – his lowest completion rate so far this season – but in doing so he attempted scythe through Brighton’s defensive structure.

He also completed two key passes in the match, the first he had registered this season so far.