Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he watches ‘exceptional’ Man City star for inspiration

Liverpool and Manchester City may be staging somewhat of a modern day rivalry, but that hasn’t stopped Trent Alexander-Arnold heaping praise on an opponent.

The Reds and the Sky Blues have contested three of the past five Premier League titles and gone head-to-head in the cups too, increasing animosity in the northwest.

In the league, City have twice pipped Liverpool to the title by a single point, but that annoyance hasn’t stopped Alexander-Arnold learning from their games.

The Scouse right-back has long been one of the games best playmakers, even from defence, but his role has changed recently, seeing him move more into midfield.

For England he now plays solely in the middle of the park, but at his club, the new ‘hybrid’ position has been inspired by one of his City rivals.

Speaking to the media ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 qualifiers, Alexander-Arnold said: “I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role – I don’t know what people call it these days – then it is obviously John Stones. 

“For a long time, I have admired his game. He is exceptional, so I watch him a lot; clips or even when I am just watching [Manchester] City’s games, I will sit and focus on him.”

Alexander-Arnold also discussed his other midfield inspirations, with his game increasingly coming higher up the pitch.

“I do admire the way Rodri plays,” he continued. “He is pivotal in that team and massively underrated but, like we have seen recently, when you take him out of the team, they are not the same. That just shows how important he is. 

“I will watch players from the past as well – [Sergio] Busquets, [Xabi] Alonso, Pirlo, Stevie G [Gerrard].”