10 October 2023 , 09:29
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on adapting to big career changes this summer amid the departure of club captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool bosses were caught off guard when Henderson, 33, opted to leave the club in favour of a reunion with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. He'd skippered the club for the previous eight years, lifting a string of major trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.
Vice-captain James Milner also joined Brighton after his contract expired, opening up new two senior roles within the squad. Virgil van Dijk was duly appointed skipper, with Alexander-Arnold, resurgent at the end of last season after moving into an advanced midfield role, taking the vice-captaincy duties.
"It's been a big change. One where I've had to look in the mirror a lot and kind of step up to the position, the role," he told the podcast. "But it really all began at the end of last season for me. I put a plan in place to make sure I was coming back in the best possible shape. I was taking it seriously."
Indeed, the England international insisted that due to a new off-season regime, he reported for duty in June prepared to step up and take responsibility, even if he was unaware what was to unfold. "Coming back in, I felt like a man," he added. "Things happened within the club.
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"Players left, and Hendo obviously, and the positions become available. Who knows what would have happened if he was still here. But no matter what I was prepared for what was to come and I put myself in a position because of the mentality that I had."
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It wasn't until the pre-season tour of the Far East that the 25-year-old was informed of Jurgen Klopp's decision, a day before the club faced Leicester. "The manager just pulls me over on the pitch in Singapore (in training)," he said.
"And I'm thinking it's just going to be about the role that I'm playing again. And he just goes on to say, 'Congratulations you're the vice-captain of Liverpool Football Club.'"
The 25-year-old is currently with the England squad having been named by Gareth Southgate for the games with Australia and Italy. Alexander-Arnold is listed as a midfielder, despite returning to his full-back role this season at club level.