12 Rounds with Trent Alexander-Arnold

A Premier League, a Champions League, the inaugural Premier League Young Player of the Year award: Trent Alexander-Arnold has achieved a lot in a very short space of time. 

If the 22-year-old retired tomorrow his place in the Liverpool pantheon, a key component of the side that ended the 30-year title drought, would already be assured. But Alexander-Arnold is just getting started. 

In our latest '12 Rounds', we spoke to the England international and Therabody athlete about the ups and downs of his brief yet tumultuous career to date: from his early mentors, his toughest opponent and the best piece of advice he's ever received.  

Pleasure talking to you, Trent: now go win us the Euros. 

How did you take up football?

I got into football by watching my older brother play for his team, I’d watch on the sidelines until I was old enough to start going myself.

Who were your idols growing up?

My number one football idol growing up was Steven Gerrard. He will always be a hero of mine.

What teacher / coach / teammate made the biggest impact on your development?

There are so many that I couldn’t name one, from my family, to my coaches as a young kid as well as the staff when I came through the ranks at the academy.

Of course I looked up to Steve Gerrard as he is just a Liverpool legend. I also have to credit the manager Jurgen Klopp for believing in me and trusting me to go out and express myself.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I ever got was probably not let my emotions affect my game. Keep a level head and if things go wrong, reset and go again.

Talk us through your pro debut – were you more nervous or excited? What is your defining memory of the occasion?

For my debut I was more excited than anything else, I had been waiting for that moment for so long.

I had been ball boy many times and was just excited to go out there and live my dream.

What would you say is your best singular performance to date?

My best performance to date was probably Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League.

And your biggest career achievement?

Between the Champions League and the Premier League, it is tough to call. They were both so special for different reasons.

My debut for Liverpool is also something I will never forget.

Who’s been your toughest opponent?

My toughest opponent would also be Barcelona I would say or Man City.

If you could play one match again, what would it be and why?

If I could play another match again, it would be Chelsea last season when we lifted the Premier League trophy. Only this time with fans.

What are your goals for the remainder of your career?

I want to continue what we’re building at Liverpool. There is no doubting it’s a special group of guys. I genuinely believe we can go on and win everything and become the dominant team in world football.

It will only happen with hard work, guts and determination though, as that is what has got us to where we are today.

Outside of football, I also want to continue to express myself and use my platform for positive change.

Are you looking forward to any plans over the festive period, away from the pitch?

Well we don’t get much time away from the pitch, but I am looking forward to relaxing and spending time with family.

I might also get back into playing chess. It helps me relax.

What are you doing to prolong your career?

The physical demand on my body as a football player is intense, and it is essential to recognize that and be proactive in taking care of my body. Having that tool -- Theragun -- that allows me to perform at the highest level possible day after day gives me an edge on the competition.

I think recognizing that so young and early on my career is super valuable, and I am proud to be a Therabody Athlete and be partnering with a brand that I feel like can help everyone -- from my teammates to my mum.

Discover more about the Theragun here