Saturday 19 January 2019 21:23, UK
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League leaders.
Alexander-Arnold, who came through Liverpool's youth system before making his first-team debut in October 2016, has penned a five-year deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2024.
The 20-year-old has established himself as Jurgen Klopp's first-choice right-back and went to last year's World Cup as a member of Gareth Southgate's England squad.
"I'm ecstatic and really proud," Alexander-Arnold said. "I feel privileged to have the support and the trust the club has in me to offer me a new deal.
"There was no doubt in my mind to sign and extend the years I have with the club. Hopefully we can achieve a lot of success in those years.
"As soon as they offered the contract, there was no hesitation whatsoever."
Alexander-Arnold signed a long-term contract in the summer of 2017, but his progress over the last 18 months is expected to be reflected in the terms of the new deal.
Confirmation of Alexander-Arnold's commitment comes just two days after Liverpool's other starting full-back, Andy Robertson, also signed a new deal stretching through to 2024.
The defender has played a crucial role as Liverpool have stormed to the top of the Premier League, with 18 wins from 22 games leaving them four points clear of champions Manchester City.
"The last 18 months especially have been very special," Alexander-Arnold continued.
"Hopefully the next 18 months and even further on than that will be even more special."
Alexander-Arnold is expected to miss Liverpool's clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday with a knee injury, but appears likely to return sooner than expected after initial reports suggested he would be out of action for four weeks.
