Trent Alexander-Arnold is delighted to be named Liverpool’s new vice-captain and wants to lead by example.
The academy graduate was confirmed as the deputy to new Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk on Monday ahead of the 2023/24 season which commences next week.
Alexander-Arnold has contributed hugely to the success of the club in recent seasons under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, featuring in 273 games and making 88 goal contributions.
He has clinched several trophies with the Merseysiders including the Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, Premier League, and Emirates FA Cup.
“At first I thought he was going to tell me to stop giving the ball away! It was a lovely surprise, to be honest, it was not one I was expecting in that moment,” the England international told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I thought we would have a conversation around that sort of thing at some point but not in that moment. So it was special, it is a moment I’ll remember.
“Yeah, of course I feel ready, I feel like without being put in this position, I felt like I’ve been a leader and I lead by example with the things I do on a daily basis in training and in and around the lads. And I think the lads see me as someone in a leadership role, and I’m happy the manager and staff see that too.
“That’s my mentality: I want to lead by example, I want to make sure that I take responsibility for what I do and how the team performs as well. It’s an amazing position to be in but there’s more responsibility on me to make sure that we succeed and we achieve the things we want to this season.
He added: “It’s difficult because, like the gaffer said, it’s a busy time for us. I’ve put a lot of hard work in up to this moment to reach these kinds of milestones. It is a moment where I have reflected and thought I’m proud of myself and it has made me smile – and it takes a lot to make me smile! I’ve never been shy of saying what my ambitions are and that’s always been to captain this club.
“This is a pathway and a stepping stone to that. It’s a role and a responsibility I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to get started, get the season started and hopefully achieve the things we want to.”
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Report: Marco Verratti Is To Jurgen Klopp’s Liking
- Liverpool Forced To Delay Opening Of £80million Anfield Road Stand
- Report: Liverpool Make ‘Initial Approach’ For Fluminense Midfielder – Timing Could Be An Issue
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Jurgen Klopp Provides The Latest On Midfielder’s Injury
- Defensive Frailties Warning In Liverpool’s 4-4 Draw With Greuther Furth In Pre-Season
- Greuther Furth 4-4 Liverpool: Five Positives For Jurgen Klopp
- Watch: Greuther Furth 4-4 Liverpool Highlights – Nunez At The Double For Erratic Reds