Liverpool news: Brazil legend Cafu sends advice to Trent Alexander-Arnold after brilliant breakthrough
The 20-year-old has fitted seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp’s first XI and is a senior England international, but the World Cup winner had a word of advice for the young Scouser
Brazilian legend Cafu has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold not to take his early success for granted after his rapid rise to the Liverpool and England teams.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough in the Reds' first team under Jurgen Klopp.
The young Scouser has already featured in a Champions League final and is a key member of the side gunning for the Premier League title.
He is a full England international, too, and was part of the Three Lions squad which made it to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia last summer.
Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier may be ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s England side, but Cafu - widely regarded as one of the finest right-backs of all-time - believes there is still plenty more to come from Alexander-Arnold.
However, he offered a word of advice to the Liverpool man – that he must not rest on his laurels if he is to realise his full potential.
"To play for the England national team, you have to be very good and to play at Liverpool, you have to be very, very good,” said two-time World Cup winner Cafu at the Laureus Sport for Good presentation on Sunday.
"But it takes time to mature and be consistent.
"Yes, he is very talented. For his position, I would advise him to work hard, do a lot of training, but above all show a lot of commitment to what he does.
"Never think that he is good enough. Don't get complacent or big-headed. Work more and more.
"When I was the same age, I was playing for Sao Paulo in the main team. I was a father, so I had a lot of responsibility.
"Twenty years old is a good age to make a decision if he wants to be a football player or a 'professional' football player with a long, respected career."