Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the opening goal for Liverpool with a spectacular free-kick, shortly after Harvey Elliott’s low set-piece hit the wall. Klopp explained that the analytics team had identified an opportunity to score by shooting under a wall during a free-kick.
Although Elliott’s attempt didn’t succeed, Klopp believes it paved the way for Alexander-Arnold’s top-corner goal. The crowd was laughing.
But maybe next time the wall won’t jump as high as they usually do. “What did you think of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal?”
Klopp said. “We had a few crazy ones but we needed it.
It was a great goal. The other goals were as good.
For a long period of time, Trent was exceptional. Super helpful to have him back.”
Alexander-Arnold made his first start in two months against Atalanta on Thursday, winning the early penalty for Mohamed Salah to score the winner, before netting the opener against Fulham. Klopp emphasized the importance of having him back and also praised Conor Bradley’s contributions.
“It’s super important (to have him back),” Klopp said. “But one of the shooting stars of this season is Conor Bradley.
He played the positions and he played a few games of football where we all thought, ‘wow, what was that?’ Nobody is like Trent.
That’s how it is. The way we play with him can be different.
So yes, super helpful, I’m really happy about that.”
