What lies ahead for Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold after signing a long-term deal?

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Jurgen Klopp has put a big emphasis on building for the future since his arrival at Anfield, and the club have gone a long way to doing so by securing the services of 18-year-old right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a new long term deal, as they confirmed on the club website.

The England under 19 international took his bow last season as he made 12 first team appearances, making the EFL Cup’s team of the week after making his first team debut against Tottenham in October. Since then, he went on to make his first Premier League start at Old Trafford of all places, where he produced a calm and assured display.

In those performances, Alexander-Arnold has shown that he has all the attributes to become a huge success at Anfield. With fans desperate for a homegrown hero to worship after the retirement of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, the right-back has made a good first impression.

Collected and rarely panicked on the ball, he shows maturity which belies his years and is yet to have been shown up even against some of the best attacking talents that the Premier League has to offer.

The 2017/18 season will be crucial for his development as he looks to build on the progress of his first year in the first team. The Champions League will be a welcome distraction which will surely see first choice Nathaniel Clyne rested regularly, gifting opportunities to the youngster to stake his claim.

However, Alexander-Arnold would do well to take caution and learn from the example of one of his competitors for the right-back berth next season. A fellow local boy, John Flanagan became a cult hero with his performances in the historic 2013/14 season and found himself on the fringes of the England squad, but injuries and a disappointing loan spell at Burnley have put a halt to his progress.

The full-back will know that this season will be vital if he is to make it as a Premier League player, especially at Anfield. What is clear now though is that Alexander-Arnold has the support of his club and his manager, and Jurgen Klopp will do all he can to help him succeed on Merseyside.

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