Trent Alexander-Arnold is modelling his ambition on global superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, insisting that no amount of success will ever be good enough in his Liverpool career.
The 21 year old has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence at Liverpool in his young career so far, becoming an integral part of the team that has achieved so much in the the last two years.
The right-back already has a Champions League and Premier League title to his name, amassing 127 appearances for the Reds so far.
Far from satisfied with what he has managed so far, Alexander-Arnold looks to Ronaldo and Messi as inspiration as players who are always striving for more.
He has also set his own personal goals, with the prospect of one day wearing the armband for the Reds a constant motivation.
‘Becoming Liverpool captain eventually motives me every day,” Alexander-Arnold told The Telegraph.
‘It is something I want to achieve. Obviously that will not be my decision, but if I did not manage that before the end of my career I would be disappointed. I have always thought about that.
‘Whether it happens or not, I feel it is my job at Liverpool to lead by example. I always try to do that now – to be an example for the younger lads coming through.
‘I feel as though I am part of a team where everyone is influential and helping each other. That is what captains do. They lead and drag the side through tough times, and motivate the players alongside them.
‘If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, it is the same. You never see them relaxing. Ronaldo has won five Champions Leagues. If you asked him if he was happy with that, he would say, “A little bit, but I want another one”.
‘As an athlete, it would be weird not to have that competitive nature. You need goals and ambitions.’
Another of Alexander-Arnold’s goals is to have his name cemented in place at right-back when people are picking their greatest Premier League teams.
Gary Neville is the consensus choice at the moment and the Liverpool star is aiming to oust the Manchester United legend.
I think about how I can go about becoming the best right-back the Premier League has ever seen,’ Alexander-Arnold continued.
‘When everyone picks their best ever Premier League team, I want my name to be in their team and not his!’
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