Alexander-Arnold named Premier League Young Player of the Season
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named as the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season.
Manchester United attackers Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial had all been named on the eight-man shortlist but were left disappointed after Alexander-Arnold’s title-winning campaign was rewarded.
Alexander-Arnold has revolutionised the full-back position under boss Jurgen Klopp and as well as excelling defensively, he went on to provide 13 assists.
As well as beating out Martial, Rashford and Greenwood, the Liverpool right back won the accolade from an eight-man shortlist that included Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount (Chelsea) and goalkeeper Dean Henderson (Sheffield United).
The award, which is for players who were aged 23 or under at the start of the 2019-20 season, was voted for by fans.
It is the fourth trophy Alexander-Arnold has lifted since his breakthrough for the Reds in the 2016-17 season.
He also finds himself on the shortlist for the Premier League Player of the Season award, on the list of nominees with team-mates Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson.
Alexander-Arnold, who featured in all 38 league matches this season, has played a key role in the Club World Cup win, Champions League success and this season’s unforgettable Premier League title crown.
Liverpool were a class apart from their rivals in 2019-20 and went one better than the previous year where they agonisingly lost out on the title to Manchester City by a single point.
Alexander-Arnold was part of a defence that refocused and went on to produce 12 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2019-20, a league-wide best.
As well as breaking an assists record for a defender, the Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold was also a goal threat, finishing with four goals in their 99-point season.
While few can begrudge Alexander-Arnold claiming the award, there will be disappointment at Old Trafford that none of their three attacking stars took the gong.
Martial scored 17 league goals this season, with Rashford matching that tally.
Academy product Greenwood, meanwhile, found the net on 10 occasions as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finished third, restoring them to the Champions League for the forthcoming campaign.
Source: Daily Mail