Trent Alexander-Arnold explains why he is scouting two Man City players ahead of Liverpool clash
When Liverpool sit down later next week to begin their video analysis ahead of the mouth-watering trip to Manchester City, it will feel like slipping into an old routine for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After all, the Reds vice-captain has already spent many hours poring over the one opponent who has provided pointers in him adapting to the tactical change that has helped transformed Jurgen Klopp's side new-look side.
“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," says Alexander-Arnold. "He is someone who, for long time, I have admired. He is exceptional, so I watch him a lot.
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"In clips or even when I am just watching City’s games, I will sit and focus on him. And I admire the way Rodri plays. He is pivotal in that team and someone who is massively underrated, but like we have seen recently, when he is out of the team, they are not the same. That just shows how important he is.
"I would say it is those kinds of players I watch, but there are a lot. I will watch players from the past as well - Busquets, Alonso, Pirlo, Stevie G, those players I have always enjoyed watching."
Quite the cast. But Alexander-Arnold has always aimed high when looking to improve his game, and the impact of being released from the shackles at right-back are obvious. In the 21 games in which the 25-year-old has started in the role, the Reds have won 15 and drawn six. They are yet to lose.
The freedom to drift into midfield has given Alexander-Arnold greater scope to influence Liverpool's attacking
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