Liverpool fans must find it very difficult to get excited about their defence right now, but Trent Alexander-Arnold has to be an exception.The 18-year-old marked his Champions League debut by opening the scoring with a long-range free-kick against Hoffenheim.Introduced into the Premier League last season, it looks as if he is going to provide Nathaniel Clyne with some serious competition this term.With Clyne still on the sidelines, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to make his mark.Steven Gerrard certainly thinks so. The former Reds skipper was reflecting on the right-back's goal while commentating on BT Sport, and he was hugely impressed."He’s played superb but to step up and have the character to take that ahead of the likes of Henderson," Gerrard said, per the Telegraph."He’s going to be a top, top player. Clyne has to be very careful this season because he’s breathing down his neck."Performances like tonight are letting Klopp know he’s ready for the big time."

Carragher posts a throwback

Gerrard isn't the only Liverpool icon who has taken a liking to the young defender.

Jamie Carragher took to Twitter to post a photo of himself in the tunnel in a 2009 League Cup game against Leeds United at Elland Road, with a young Alexander-Arnold by his side as a mascot.

Check it out below:

It just sums up how far the teenager has come in such a short space of time.

Jurgen Klopp must have a lot of faith in him to have given him his first league start away to Manchester United last season, so it'll be interesting to see how he continues to progress.

Klopp's men got the job done in the first leg against Hoffenheim, earning a 2-1 win to take back to Anfield.

Should Alexander-Arnold be first choice this season? Have your say in the comments.