Trent Alexander-Arnold is quite rightly getting praise for his unbelievable quick-thinking to set up Divock Origi’s winner against Barcelona but the Liverpool ball-boy deserves a share of the plaudits.
After winning the corner, the Liverpool right-back was quickly fed a ball – with Origi passing the other ball off the pitch and into the path of the ball boy.
With Barca completely switching off, Alexander-Arnold slowed down and then sped up in a matter of seconds before laying it on a plate for Origi to bag his second and send Anfield into pandamonium.
It’s just incredible decision-making from the 20-year old and probably his most impressive out of the 15 assists he has conjured up in all competitions this season.
But immense credit must go to the young man because without him throwing the ball rapidly, Liverpool do not score that fourth goal.
This ball boy at the very least needs a hug from Klopp and a visit from Trent @LFC https://t.co/pnRtwjZ52b
— warwick monk (@athole52) May 8, 2019
Reds’ legend Graeme Souness waxed lyrical about the ball-boy, calling for him to get two tickets for the Champions League final, in addition to ripping into Barca for falling asleep.
“Watch this, we will circle him. It goes out for a corner. They are following the ball… watch the ballboy here. He is already on the spot,” Souness said on Virgin Media’s post-match coverage, as per Balls.ie.
“He puts it down now. He goes to walk away and he realises there is a few dopes gone to sleep. They have all turned their back on it. That is criminal, criminal for a professional footballer.”
In addition to Souness’ praise, fans have demanded that the youngster gets all sorts of perks.