Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up about how Marcus Rashford and Manchester United gave him the toughest game of his fledgling career back in 2018.
Under Jurgen Klopp, the 21-year-old has blossomed into arguably the best right-back in world football, helping his side go unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season.
But a 2-1 defeat to United at Old Trafford in March 2018 proved to be a huge learning curve for the Reds' academy product, who says he underestimated Rashford - scorer of both goals in the game.
Speaking to The Athletic while looking back on 15 key moments in his Liverpool career, Alexander Arnold said: "Yeah, the toughest in terms of a direct opponent and someone getting on top of me in professional football.
"I'd say I underestimated him. It was a massive learning curve for me.
"It was something that I hated happening. As a Liverpool player it's probably the worst game of the season to perform like that. But when things like that happen you have to learn from them."
After experiencing a reality check, Alexander-Arnold's response was a mature one. He went to Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe for advice and sought to ensure he didn't repeat that display.
"I massively respect his opinion and he's always been there for me, he still is now," he added.
"I found that growing up, he's someone who would always tell me the truth, no matter how much it would hurt me. That kind of honesty is exactly what you want from people. It's quite hard to come across in football because some people don't want to hurt your feelings.
"But Alex always tells me the truth. We talked about what had gone wrong and how I could improve and to try to make sure it didn't happen again.
Alexander-Arnold may not have to face off against Rashford this weekend however when Liverpool host United in the Premier League.
Rashford went off with a back injury against Wolves in United's FA Cup replay on Wednesday night.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed on Friday afternoon that there's a chance the forward misses out on the trip to Anfield.
"He'll be tested in the next few days - we have to see for Sunday," the Norwegian said.
"I didn't want to play him [against Wolves]. I think he got a knock, a knee or something, in his back, but he's been struggling for a little while.
"That's why we've kept him away [from starting against Wolves], but we needed the win."
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-trent-alexander-arnold-explains-his-toughest-game-and-opponent-20200117
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