As expected, Liverpool have named a strong team to face Swindon Town today, with all of the first-team players that didn’t feature against HJK on Saturday taking part against our League One opponents.
This means a debut for both Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, who will undoubtedly be the two players that the fans are most excited to see in this afternoon’s match, following their big-money moves.
However, there will be one name that is slightly less familiar, and that is the name of 16-year-old defender Trent Alexander-Arnold – who makes his first-team debut at right-back.
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Arnold was previously the captain of Liverpool’s Under-16 team, who were managed at the time by new first-team coach Pepijn Lijnders, before he was promoted to captain the Under-18 team last season.
Trent, who doesn’t turn 17 until October, is also capable of playing at centre-back and in defensive midfield. He will be looking to take advantage of what is a wonderful opportunity for him today – with Andre Wisdom having gone out on loan there is a potential place in the first-team squad to play for.
He is described as hardworking, technically gifted and has previously been compared with former captain Steven Gerrard – as our fellow Liverpool fanatics at This is Anfield have told us.
In quotes taken by the Liverpool Echo, the player recently explained a little more about who he is. He said: “I’m from West Derby in Liverpool, and I don’t know anybody else from my area that has played at a World Cup.
“It just doesn’t happen to lads like me. I’ll be trying so hard to get there – it would be an unforgettable experience,” he said. “I played for Country Park in the Walton and Kirkdale League. The first World Cup I can remember is in 2006 when Italy won it. To play in a tournament like that at youth level would be amazing.
“I always used to pretend to be Stevie G when I was playing as a kid as he is a Scouser. Everyone looks up to him. I don’t think there is any footballer that doesn’t recognise his talent and what he has done for his club and country at World Cups. Now I may get that chance.”
We wish Trent all the best for today’s game. You can see our team in full below:
Today’s confirmed #LFC starting line-up and subs in full on our matchday graphic pic.twitter.com/f1k0OBUPpJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 2, 2015