5 best U21 players in the world right now

#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold

A scouser through and through, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a generational player

Since Steven Gerrard graduated from the Liverpool academy and made a name for himself as one of the best to ever wear a Reds jersey, every youngster who comes through the Liverpool academy has the unfortunate task of being compared to their idol.

Most of them do not make it to even the first team, let alone aid their squad to reach consecutive Champions League finals. Indeed, Trent Alexander-Arnold is an anomaly.

Having turned 21 in October, Alexander-Arnold is a Champions League winner with his boyhood club, and is looking to achieve that elusive Premier League title.

Gary Lineker recently said that the youngster is like Kevin De Bruyne at right-back - referring to his amazing passing ability and the way he sees the field.

Last season, he broke the Premier League record for most assists as a defender, when he set up his teammates 12 times. He is also adept at controlling the tempo of the play, and a lot of Liverpool's attacks flow through him and fellow full-back Andy Robertson.

Blessed with pace, strength and an athletic physique, Alexander-Arnold has become a key figure in Jurgen Klopp's team. He has come up against the likes of Leroy Sane, Neymar, and Raheem Sterling and has come out with minimal scarring.

His passing range is exquisite, and even though the defensive aspect of his game needs some work, there is no doubt that the Scouser is a generational talent who can one day lead the Liverpool squad; just like his idol Gerrard did before him.