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Liverpool returned to form in stunning fashion on Wednesday due in no small part to the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Martin Keown is full of praise for the young Scouser.
After drawing four out of five games in all competitions, Liverpool needed a big bounce back to form against Watford on Wednesday night and that’s exactly what they got.
The three points were of course the most important thing, but the performance was also crucial, as every single Reds player had a good evening in the 5-0 demolition of the Hornets, something that will build huge confidence going into the Merseyside derby.
No one was more impressive than Alexander-Arnold though, and BBC Match of the Day regular Keown, who won three league titles with Arsenal, says the 20 year-old has the perfect mentality to challenge for trophies.
What’s the word?
When asked who will be the Anfield outfit’s key player going down the stretch, Keown told The Daily Mail: “Alexander-Arnold is back in the nick of time. Until Wednesday’s win over Watford, I thought Liverpool had blown it.
“That 5-0 victory sent a message to Manchester City and Alexander-Arnold was the standout performer with a hat-trick of assists.
“He is only 20 but plays with the freedom and confidence of a serial winner. That is what this team have been missing.”
Mentality is key
Alexander-Arnold’s quality was never in doubt, as the youngster delivered three world class assists on Wednesday night, and if truth be told he could have had a few more considering the crosses he was bombarding Ben Foster’s penalty box with.
The youngster is developing into a complete right-back and is incredibly technically gifted at such a young age, but Keown’s observations reveal what really separates him from other players his age – his mind-set.
Since recovering from his nightmare performance at Old Trafford last season, the England international has gone from strength to strength, easily bouncing back from any small setbacks along the way.
In a Liverpool squad so bereft of title-wining experience, a local lad with the confidence and resilience that Alexander-Arnold possesses could make a huge difference as they enter crunch time.
Keown has been there, seen it and done it, so the Reds should take a lot of confidence from his verdict.