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Trent Alexander-Arnold believes he is learning from “the best right-back in the country” as he continues to impress as he seeks to make the breakthrough to Jurgen Klopp’s first team at Anfield.

The 17-year-old from West Derby is in superb form, following up a stunning goal in the U23s’ 6-2 rout of Tottenham last Monday with another superb effort following a surging run in the comprehensive 3-0 home win over Sunderland on Sunday.

That win took Mick Beale’s side to third in the Premier League 2 table, behind pacesetting neighbours Everton, with Alexander-Arnold turning in a man of the match performance from the right-back slot.

He already looks as if he could be the next Liverpool-born player to make a real impact at Anfield as the club seeks to replace some of the famous homegrown talents of the past.

Alexander-Arnold, who turns 18 next month, said: “It’s going well, we’re playing well as a team and obviously I’m playing well individually which is the best combination I can think of. But the team performance comes first. If we play well, I’ll have a good game as well is how I look at it.

“It (the Spurs goal) was probably the best goal I’ve scored. I’ve done it once or twice in training but never in a match - I just got in and hit it and hoped for the best.”

Appointed captain of the Liverpool U18s at just 16, Alexander-Arnold has long been held in high regard at the Academy and is now benefitting from working every day at Melwood under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff.

It’s an experience in which he is revelling.

“It’s unbelievable, every day just going in there and being round top quality players and top quality management as well. Every day I’m learning something new as well and hopefully if I keep learning I’ll keep pushing on and fighting for places.

“I think all the players are really friendly with the young players. They’ve obviously been there at one point in their career as well. I couldn’t really pick someone out but I’d say the captain (Jordan) Henderson took us under his wing, talked to us about how hard it’s going to be but obviously we’re good enough to be there, that’s why we’re there.”

He has seen his U23s colleague Ovie Ejaria make his first team debut in the EFL Cup game against Derby and he is hoping that he will be the next to catch the eye of Klopp, having already secured a place on the bench in the Premier League opener at Arsenal and impressed during several pre-season outings with the first team.

“I’m just going to keep working hard, keep learning, do the things in training he wants me to do. With time I’ll mature, I should be fighting for places.

“Ovie’s only a year older than me, I’m really happy for him because I know he deserved it with his performances and the way that he trains, it’s thoroughly deserved. Hopefully if I keep training well I’ll get into the manager’s books.”

Alexander-Arnold is in no doubt about the talent around him in the Reds’ U23 squad and he believes there is the possibility of several of them making it through in the future.

“I’d say all the team have a chance of breaking into the first team, it’s just about timing and positions really, so everyone has got a big amount of quality and we all want to push forward as a team and do well.”

Helping him along is the example of the man for whom he may now be considered a deputy, Nathaniel Clyne - with last year’s ‘first reserve’ Connor Randall now switched to left back for the U23s.

I want to still play my way

“I’m trying to watch him and learn how good he is because he’s probably the best right back in the league for me, defensively and going forward. He’s so consistent in everything he does. I want to still play the way I play but if I can learn things from him then I’ll try and do that every day.

One of the additional strings to Alexander-Arnold’s bow is his amazing versatility, having played both as a central midfielder and on the right of the three behind for the U18s before the switch to right-back with the U23s.

Many see central midfield as his long-term position but the player himself is happy to take advice from his coaches.

“I’m not sure, I like playing both positions and think I can play both positions well, so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and wherever the manager wants me to play, I’ll play. Whichever he sees will get the best out of me I won’t argue or question him because I know the decision will be right one for my future.”

Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to take his latest step forward for the Reds U23s team who start their Premier League International Cup campaign at Prenton Park at 7pm on Wednesday against Wolfsburg of Germany.