Trent Alexander-Arnold pays Xabi Alonso tribute after Liverpool victory over Bayer Leverkusen

Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared a heartfelt moment with on social media following the Spaniard's return to Anfield. Liverpool , marking their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

Alonso, who was once considered as Jurgen Klopp's successor, faced his former club for the first time since his departure in 2009. He had chosen to stay with the German team instead of playing against the Reds during his professional career.

, often compared to the ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder for his passing skills, seized the opportunity to display his technical prowess to the Spanish legend. Following the match, the England star posted an Instagram photo of him embracing the 42-year-old while retrieving the ball.

Alexander-Arnold has openly expressed his admiration for Alonso and Steven Gerrard, having himself emerged from the Reds Academy.

Back in 2019, he confessed that the formidable midfield duo were his role models. Speaking to the official website, he expressed his admiration for past legends, saying: "I think it's just about replicating the players that I wanted to be when I was younger – the likes of Gerrard, Alonso, who were unbelievable passers of the ball. I always wanted to be able to pass a ball like that.

"Obviously I still look up to them massively and sometimes I still find myself watching clips of them – especially I always watch his old clips, his old games. He's someone that I still look up to now and still an idol for me."

He also reflected on his development, "It's just growing up wanting to be them. I was practicing a lot on my passing and for me it's paid off, and I'm reaping the rewards now."