Former Liverpool Under-23s boss Neil Critchley is using Trent Alexander-Arnold as a guide for a former Arsenal youngster.
Alexander-Arnold has blossomed from an academy player with potential to one of the best right-backs in world football over the past few years.
Critchley coached Alexander-Arnold during his time as manager of Liverpool’s Under-23 side, and played a key role in his development.
Alexander-Arnold made the jump to the first-team in 2016/17 after being handed an opportunity by Jurgen Klopp, before becoming a regular starter the following campaign.
Critchley is now manager of League One side Blackpool, where he is working with another full-back talent in Jordan Gabriel.
The 22-year-old is on loan at the Seasiders from Nottingham Forest, and was formerly part of the Arsenal youth set-up before being let go at the age of 15.
Gabriel is now a first-team regular for the first time in his career, and has set his sights on reaching the same level as Alexander-Arnold.
The full-back has opened up on how former Liverpool coach Critchley is helping him get to where he wants to be, and is using Alexander-Arnold as a guide.
Gabriel told The Mirror : “The manager will chat to us on a one-to-one basis and give feedback. He is brilliant and will tell you straight.
“We have had a few conversations about Trent and he knows that is the level I want to get to.
“It is a big step but I am willing to put the work in because it is my dream and goal. I am not going to let anyone stop me from getting there.
“The manager has said if Trent can do it, I can do it. He said Trent has got to where he has because of hard work and dedication.
“He has said I need to put in that too and I believe and trust in him. He has helped me improve my crossing and pass selection which is crucial the higher you go. He has said my crossing is better than I believe.
“But as a full-back you are a defender first and if you can't defend then you are a liability.
“He has helped me with my positioning too, knowing when to go forward and when to go back – game management.
“I love a tackle but the manager says you don't always have to go to ground.
“Before I would rely on my pace to get me out of trouble but now I am using my head.”
