Jamie Carragher has labelled Trent Alexander-Arnold the “perfect full-back” after his display in Liverpool’s 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Leeds United, despite his teammate Ben Woodburn taking the plaudits after becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.

While manager Jürgen Klopp has to play down expectations of Woodburn following his breakthrough performance, Carragher was keen to praise the display of the 18-year-old right-back, whose cross enabled striker Divock Origi to put the Reds ahead at Anfield in what was a laboured display from the Premier League side.

Rumours that Alexander-Arnold led Liverpool out the last time they played Leeds as a mascot proved to be false after the teenager confirmed it was not him, but he certainly made his impression on the Yorkshire side as he set-up the opener in the 76th minute before Woodburn doubled the lead five minutes later.

Speaking as part of Sky Sports’ live coverage of the EFL Cup, Carragher said: “We know now why Jürgen Klopp only went in with one recognised right back this season. His performance tonight was the same as against Spurs.

“He just looks like a footballer, a fantastic athlete, perfect for the full back position.

“He's only 18, so you think about how he's going to look physically in three or four years’ time. He looks like he's already got the legs and the pace. The strength will come too.”

A number of Liverpool fans lauded Alexander-Arnold’s performance on social media, and joined Carragher in claiming that they do not need to fear if first-choice right-back Clyne is injured given that Klopp doesn’t have anyone else who can naturally play on the right of the defence.

“If Clyne goes out of the team through injury or suspension, he's in,” Carragher added.

“Clyne is an England international and he's still got a long way to go this lad, but to have an 18-year-old kid as your back-up full back, thinking how big a club Liverpool are fighting on all fronts, challenging at the top of the league, it shows the faith Jürgen Klopp has in him.

Liverpool January transfer targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool January transfer targets Liverpool January transfer targets Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) The Merseyside club failed with an £11m bid for the 18-year-old striker in the summer, but may try their hand at signing him again this January. Pulisic is one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers, having already made his international debut for the United States. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) It would not be a transfer window without Liverpool being linked with somebody from Southampton. This time it's Van Dijk, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's best centre-halves since arriving on the south coast from Celtic. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would be a good addition for the Reds. The German Tah is only 20 years of age but has impressed for both club and country this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) The left-midfielder’s deal at Rennes expires at the end of the season and so he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January. A strong dribbler of the ball, Ntep has been made two appearances for France. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) Seeing as Roberto Firmino is not a natural no. 9 and Daniel Sturridge has fallen out of favour, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers including French forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker is quick, explosive and has already reached double figures this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) The Athletic Bilbao youngster signed a new contract in January with a release clause of €50m, but the rumours linking him with Anfield have not died down. The 22-year-old would certainly fit in with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) Jurgen Klopp has long admired the Germany under-21 midfielder, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Klopp will have to do battle with former club Dortmund to sign the German, while Italian giants Juventus are also interested. Getty

“Massive credit to Jürgen Klopp, and the academy staff, Alex Inglethorpe, Steve Heighway.

“But never ever forget, it's still the player who has to do it on the pitch. He's done it twice and been outstanding.”