Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp makes Trent Alexander-Arnold revelation

The 19-year-old endured a difficult afternoon against Marcus Rashford last time out as the Reds were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Alexander-Arnold was too easily turned inside the box for Rashford’s first goal while the striker’s second 10 minutes later took an unfortunate deflection off of the defender to beat Loris Karius.

The England U21 international went as far as issuing an apology via social media - with Sky Sports pundits and former Liverpool duo Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness having condemned his display in their post-match analysis.

But Klopp - having previously blasted critics whom solely blamed Alexander-Arnold for Rashford’s opener as having “no idea” about football - leapt to the teenager’s defence again and declared the club’s academy graduate as well worthy of his role.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Watford this weekend, Klopp said: “The reason he is playing is not because he is Trent or a scouser, it’s only because of his quality. That’s why he played.

“His quality is obvious and his areas for improvement are obvious as well. That his strength is a little bit more in the offensive part of the position is obvious.

“The first goal, he was involved 100 per-cent. That was, of course, not our best defending but not from him alone. He is the youngest of all the players who made a mistake around that situation.

“It can always happen, that’s not a big thing. At his age, he will make mistakes. There is no chance to avoid them constantly.

“Then it’s all about the reaction, and I think he reacted in the game pretty well. He was not too impressed. He is on a very good way.”

But Klopp also acknowledged that Joe Gomez could be restored at right-back when Liverpool entertain the Hornets at Anfield, having not played a top-flight match since January 30.

The German added: “We have Joe as well, who had a little injury. 

“That can sometimes mean you are out for two or three games because the other one is playing pretty well. That is what happened.

“We will see who will start.”