Nottingham Forest youngster Jordan Gabriel is using Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold as his inspiration as he looks to improve his game.
The 22-year-old started the season with the first-team at the City Ground, playing in the Reds' opening Championship game against Queens Park Rangers and their League Cup first-round tie against Barnsley.
He signed on loan for League One side Blackpool a few weeks later and has since played 17 times in the league so far this season, including starting the Seasiders' last three games.
At Blackpool, Gabriel is under the stewardship of former Liverpool coach Neil Critchley, and he is using the example of an Anfield hero to help the youngster continue to improve.
“The manager will chat to us on a one-to-one basis and give feedback,” full-back Gabriel told the Mirror .
“He is brilliant and will tell you straight.
“We have had a few conversations about Trent [Alexander-Arnold, 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.”
And the Forest man knows what it will take to reach his ambitions.
“The manager has said if Trent can do it, I can do it,” he added.
“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.
Gabriel added: “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.”
Gabriel will return to the City Ground at the end of the season and look to impress Chris Hughton during pre-season in order to break into the first-team picture at the club.
