KEY POINTS

  • Liverpool defeated Atletico 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday
  • The Reds have now qualified for the last-16, with still two games to go
  • Alexander-Arnold assisted both Liverpool goals against Atletico

Jurgen Klopp hailed Trent Alexander-Arnold, saying he has "a pretty impressive right foot" after the defender assisted both Liverpool goals in their 2-0 win in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Alexander-Arnold set up goals for Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota as the Reds went past a 10-man Atletico Madrid to qualify for the last-16 of the 2021-22 Champions League. Liverpool are unbeaten in the competition with two more games to go in the group stage.

"He's a good player obviously and he has a pretty impressive right foot and his awareness is outstanding. When he's on top of his game, he's outstanding, that's how it is. But how we set up the first goal with the triangle with Hendo, Mo on that side, in the end Trent has all of the space and time in the world to put the cross in," Klopp was quoted as saying in a post-match interview on Liverpool's official website.

Liverpool are now unbeaten in 25 matches in all competitions (win -18, draw - 7) – their joint-longest such run since they joined the Football League in 1893 (also a run of 25 in 1982), according to Opta Joe.

"Second goal, obviously Sadio with his incredible skill set, just physically so strong, technically so good, getting rid of the defender, passing the ball to Hendo, Hendo outside and then getting through the gap, so that's good football. And in the end, Trent can cross as good as he wants, if there's no receiver in the middle then they don't look that good, so it's a nice mix," added Klopp in the same interview.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hugs Kostas Tsimikas after the 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hugs Kostas Tsimikas after the 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid AFP / Oli SCARFF

Giving more perspective to Alexander-Arnold's brilliance on the field for Liverpool, since the start of the 2018-19 season, only Kevin De Bruyne (51) has more assists among Premier League players in all competitions than Alexander-Arnold (44).

Alexander-Arnold, who made his Liverpool debut during the 2016-17 season, has so far made a total of 50 assists for the Reds, across all competitions, and has contributed with 10 goals as well. The young right-back has been a crucial factor in Liverpool's success under Klopp over the years, where they have won four trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.

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