Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold calls Gerrard his 'idol'

Trent Alexander-Arnold may be Liverpool's first locally born star since Steven Gerrard, so it should come as no surprise that the former idolises the latter.

Alexander-Arnold, who is only 18 years old, scored on his Champions League debut, curling home a phenomenal free-kick in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the first leg of their tie in the tournament's play-offs. It was a star-is-born moment for the teenage right-back, whom Gerrard referred to as "a beauty" upon returning to Anfield last season.

"It's always good to get compliments from your idol and I am hoping to live up to his words," Alexander-Arnold said, according to the Guardian's Andy Hunter. "It is always good to have his backing and support.

"It was indescribable to be honest (scoring Tuesday's opener against Hoffenheim). Special in so many different ways for me personally and I've definitely ticked the box off. At first I didn't know it was going to go in but it was well placed and I thought it was a good free-kick. I've been practising free-kicks but I didn't think the senior players would let me take it. In the end they did and I did well for the team."

Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy at 6 years old and represented the Reds at various levels before breaking into the club's first team last season. The win at Hoffenheim marked his ninth start in all competitions.

"A special performance," Gerrard declared while watching Alexander-Arnold as a television pundit, per the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani.