Klopp: 18-year-old Alexander-Arnold's free-kick took 'balls'

Jurgen Klopp was nothing short of impressed in how a teenager dismantled an old foe of his.

After Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is only 18 years old, curled home a beautiful free-kick in the first leg of Liverpool’s tie against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the Champions League’s play-offs, Klopp praised the teenage right-back, who was making his debut in European club football’s most prestigious tournament.

“I have to say for an 18-year-old to have the balls to kick a free-kick like that is more interesting and exciting for me than a little mistake he made,” Klopp said following Liverpool’s 2-1 away victory, according to the Guardian’s Andy Hunter. “It was an intensive game for him. He has still some things to learn. He thought it was offside but it was obviously not offside, unfortunately. Trent is a great player and I have to say I would rather have 2-1 than 1-0.”

Alexander-Arnold’s performance was mature beyond his years, as the youngster who grew up close to Liverpool’s training ground joined a number of the Reds’ attacks, including the one in which James Milner produced the club’s second goal at Hoffenheim.

The second leg of the tie is scheduled for Aug. 23 at Anfield.