Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he was 'egged on' to take free-kick in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Hoffenheim

Teenager Trent Alexander-Arnold was in dreamland after his stunning free-kick helped Liverpool leave Germany in charge of their own Champions League destiny.

The 18-year-old curled Jurgen Klopp's side into the lead against Hoffenheim on only his ninth senior start as he continues to impress in Nathaniel Clyne's absence.

'It's a thing of dreams to make your European debut for your boyhood club and especially to mark it with a goal,' Alexander-Arnold said.


Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates after scoring a free-kick for Liverpool against Hoffenheim

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates after scoring a free-kick for Liverpool against Hoffenheim

'I kind of got egged on to take it to be honest. I never put my hand up at first but I had the confidence to finally take it and it paid off.'

Klopp praised the right back's mentality but revealed he forced Alexander-Arnold to step up ahead of more senior team-mates, refusing to blame him for allowing Mark Uth to net late on.

'I have to say for an 18-year-old to have the balls to kick a free kick like that is more interesting and exciting for me than a little mistake he made, 'Klopp said. 'It was a very intense game for him. He has a few things to learn. He's a great player.

Alexander-Arnold's free-kick gave Liverpool the lead against Hoffenheim on Tuesday

Alexander-Arnold's free-kick gave Liverpool the lead against Hoffenheim on Tuesday

'I told him he has to do it. 'Maybe in a situation like this it helps if the manager says "Trent takes it". A little bit lucky, the wall didn't jump, but a very good free-kick.

'If somebody would've told me that you definitely win tonight, I would've even taken 8-7. I'm happy. They deserved the goal over the 90 minutes with their effort. But I also thought we played really well defensively.'

Club captain Jordan Henderson was asked how the youngster performed. 'Brilliant,' he replied. 'Obviously he was outstanding last season and he’s come back and he’s gone up another level again. In pre-season he’s been brilliant. Last week I thought he was outstanding again and tonight brilliant again. 

'The free-kick’s no coincidence. He’s been doing that every day in training for the last few weeks and that’s why he’s on them to be fair and he does it on the big stage so fair play to him and he’s just got to keep working hard and keep putting in the performances like that.'

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp praised the youngster after the Champions League play-off game

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp praised the youngster after the Champions League play-off game

 Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann bemoaned their luck after former Leicester forward Andrej Kramaric missed a first-half penalty at 0-0.

And the 30-year-old also rejected Klopp's claim that Liverpool allowed the hosts to play in comfortable areas.

'Of course Jurgen has to say that,' he said. 'He won't say 'Hoffenheim are a great team and we were s***'.

'We had the better, clearer chances,' he said. 'We were unlucky. We weren't the worst team but we were unlucky. Home or away doesn't make a difference - I don't care.'

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