Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed Chelsea legend Ashley Cole is a source of inspiration to him as the Liverpool defender aims to win the Premier League title this season.
Liverpool are just one point behind Manchester City at the summit of the top-flight and Alexander-Arnold has played a key role for the Reds this term.
Why is Ashley Cole an inspiration to young full-backs? Five key things to know…
- Cole made a combined 566 appearances for Arsenal and Chelsea during a trophy-laden career in England.
- He won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, a League Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League.
- The left-back also made 107 appearances for the English national team.
- Cole is considered one of the best defenders of the modern era and has been hailed as a revolutionary by Alexander Arnold.
- The 38-year-old now plays for Derby County in the Championship under ex-teammate Frank Lampard’s management.
During an interview with BBC Sport, Alexander-Arnold revealed he used to be a defensive midfielder but is happy to play at right-back under Jurgen Klopp.
He went on to explain how Cole changed the game for full-backs in England.
“When I was younger I was always a defensive centre-mid player – someone who liked to get on the ball and make things happen,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“I am happy to play wherever the boss wants me. At the moment he sees me as a full-back and I am happy there. It is important to bring in different dimensions to the position.
“When I was growing up Ashley Cole came in and showed that you don’t just have to be a defender. You can go forward and attack. He showed what full-backs can be.
“The dream is to win everything possible for my club and country. I want to be a legend for Liverpool and England. Hopefully one day I can be captain for them both.”
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Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool players excited, not nervous
Liverpool go into this weekend’s meeting with Burnley at Anfield knowing they can’t afford any more slip-ups in the title race.
Klopp’s men have already conceded a five-point lead on City and there have been suggestions of nerves among the Liverpool players in recent weeks.
But Alexander-Arnold has insisted the Reds are not nervous going into the run-in.
He added: “There is not so much a nervous tension, just eagerness to get it going. Not until four or five games left will we start to look forward a little. It is important right now to stay focused.
“At times you can feel the supporters’ expectations. We know Liverpool fans are so passionate. We can hopefully give them performances that they can go home and talk about the next day. That is the main thing for us – to give them a reason to come back.
“We know how hard it is to win a league title. You have to be consistent across a full season. Quite a few of the lads have never been in this position before, including myself. It is important for us to enjoy it, learn from it and just see how it goes.”
The post Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals the Chelsea legend who inspired him appeared first on Squawka News.
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