Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start for Liverpool since February in their Europa League quarter-final match against Atalanta. Despite the team’s 1-0 victory, they were ultimately knocked out of the competition after a 3-1 aggregate loss. Alexander-Arnold played for 72 minutes before being substituted by Joe Gomez. He showcased his creativity from deep and out wide, which proved to be a significant asset for the Reds, including winning a penalty for Mo Salah to convert.
However, it was evident that Alexander-Arnold had not fully regained his match fitness. Having already played 42 minutes in the previous game against Crystal Palace, the right-back admitted that he had “run out of juice” in the second half of the Atalanta match. In an interview with LFCTV, he expressed his joy at being back on the pitch and helping the team, but also expressed disappointment at their elimination from the competition.
Jurgen Klopp also praised Alexander-Arnold for his performance before he began to tire. In an interview with TNT Sports, Klopp acknowledged the hurdle they faced after the first leg and commended the commitment, desire, and power shown by the players. However, he noted that the quick restarts and changes in rhythm affected their physical condition. Klopp emphasized that if Alexander-Arnold had been fitter, he could have continued to make a significant impact on the game. The manager highlighted how the right-back’s performance at the start of the match was exceptional and left Atalanta struggling to defend against him. However, as Alexander-Arnold’s energy levels waned, Liverpool lost some offensive structure.
Overall, Alexander-Arnold’s return to the starting lineup was a positive development for Liverpool. Despite his lack of full match fitness, he demonstrated his importance to the team’s attacking play. Klopp’s acknowledgment of his influence further emphasizes the significance of his presence on the pitch. As Alexander-Arnold continues to regain his fitness, Liverpool can expect even greater contributions from their talented right-back in future matches.