The sizable hole in defence created by Virgil van Dijk’s injury has suddenly grown into a ginormous one. And yet, not everyone is in full-blown panic mode. Take Trent Alexander-Arnold for example. While he’s obviously gutted about losing Fabinho for a few weeks, Trent sees the silver lining in all of it. Speaking to Liverpool FC’s official website.:
“Obviously he’s covering in at centre-half and he’s been playing unbelievable in the last few games. Obviously that happens and it’s disappointing – hopefully it’s not too long because we’ll miss him. That position is probably a little bare at the minute to say the least but we’ve got an amazing squad, you’ve seen Rhys Williams stepping in and doing a world-class job. At such a young age with such little experience, unbelievable from him. He never really put a foot wrong. Well done to him and I think he’s got a bright future ahead.”
“I think he’s an amazing player, he’s shown that over the last few weeks. He wasn’t with us much last season but he came in this season and showed how good a player he is. The manager obviously trusts him a lot and he’s been playing a few minutes. To be thrown in at the deep end on the biggest of stages is tough to do, tough to perform, but he never really put a foot wrong. So I think he’ll definitely be in the manager’s thoughts hopefully come the weekend and further on.”
And of course, Trent knows what he’s talking about - he too was given a baptism of fire, making his first league start in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, after a handful of EFL Cup and Premier League substitute appearances. After spending last season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the Conference, Rhys Williams has suddenly been thrust into an important squad role in pretty bizarre circumstances. He’s held up well so far. West Ham, Atalanta, and Manchester City await.