Alexander-Arnold Feels Prepared For Ronaldo Challenge

Now that the Premier League season has ended and Liverpool have officially clinched a place in the top four, it’s time turn all focus to the fast-approaching Champions League final in Kyiv. A final was always going to be difficult and nerve-wracking, no matter who the Reds faced, but it becomes especially difficult when the opposition are the two-year reigning champions Real Madrid, led by Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with several other Liverpool players, are going to be playing the most important game of their lives on May 26th, but the young fullback remains languid about the whole affair.

“With Ronaldo being one of the greats, probably one of the best players ever, it’s going to be an honour to hopefully play against him,” he said. “You know a lot about him and the likes of (Lionel) Messi because you watch them on YouTube when you’re growing up. You always watch those type of players.

“You’ve just got to focus on the game and if he’s a direct opponent you have to see what the strengths and weaknesses are and use them to your advantage. I want to challenge myself and test myself against the best players in the world and there’s not many people better than the likes of Ronaldo. It will be a huge test for everyone and hopefully we come out on top.”

Alexander-Arnold had a huge break out season, and seems on track to be the youngest Liverpool player to ever appear in a Champions League final. He’s proved himself up to some arduous tasks this past year, particularly during Liverpool’s Champions League run. Reds’ fans will be crossing their fingers and toes that he puts in one more huge performance to close out his phenomenal season and hold one of the best players in the world at bay for 90 minutes.

And when asked whether or not he was a fan of Ronaldo growing up, the young Scouser gave exactly the right answer:

“Yeah, I suppose so. Not when he was playing for Man United though!”