Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tells Trent Alexander-Arnold to expect time on the bench... despite Champions League heroics

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Jurgen Klopp has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold not to get too used to playing regular first-team football this season.

The 18-year-old has started the season at right back for Liverpool with Nathaniel Clyne sidelined through injury.

And he capped off Klopp's trust in his ability with a stunning free kick that set them on their way to a 2-1 Champions League play-off first leg win away at Hoffenheim on Tuesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold stretches his muscles during training at Melwood

Jurgen Klopp has warned the teenager not to expect too much first-team football

But the German does not want to over-burden the teenager too early in his career, despite his increasing levels of maturity on the field.

Klopp suggested he could even be benched for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday, with the club facing fixture pile-up in August already.

He said: 'It would have been a good situation for Trent to play games and try to understand but I don't think we can let him play five games in 14 days or something like this so that's the situation.

'Why? Because he is 18. It's about bringing the player in a better situation to deal better with the intensity of the game.

Alexander-Arnold scored a superb free-kick in the 2-1 win over Hoffenheim in midweek

The right back has started both of the Reds' first two games of the new season

'He has not had the time other players (have had) to do this. Yes, he is a big talent but I think we speak too much about him. 

'That's not my problem because I want a situation where the boy can develop, make mistakes.'

The visit of Palace is the first of three games in eight days at Anfield, with the return leg against Hoffenheim followed by a clash with Arsenal ahead of the international break. 

'Trent's a young boy with a few more skills than the others, 100%, but it's not just the goal or the free kick - it was the other set pieces, the crosses were very good.

'He has a lot to learn, a lot to adapt. I can only change situations if I have the opportunities but can we have five full backs come through? Of course not. There are a lot of challenges.

The Liverpool youngster jumps for joy after scoring his first goal for the club