The Liverpool full-back shrugged off the size of the occasion against Hoffenheim, on his maiden European appearance for the club, with a composed display that was punctuated by a stunning goal.
Taking charge of a free-kick situation 10 minutes before the break, Alexander-Arnold sent the ball swerving around the wall and firmly into the bottom right corner for the opener at Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
His sublime effort set Jürgen Klopp’s team on their way to a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying play-off with the Bundesliga outfit.
“Obviously it’s a thing of dreams to make your European debut for your boyhood club. And to mark it with a goal as well was very special for me,” Alexander-Arnold told BT Sport.
“But, more importantly, we got the win. We’ll still be a little bit disappointed with the late goal, but it’s always good to take a lead back to Anfield.”
The Scouser added: “I kind of got egged on to do it, to be honest. I didn’t put my hand up at first. But I had the confidence to finally take it and it paid off!”
LFCTV GO: Watch Trent's free-kick from 14 angles
Alexander-Arnold had shown his set-piece ability during the Premier League clash with Watford last weekend – and Jordan Henderson revealed it was no surprise to see the thriving 18-year-old hit the net.
“He was outstanding last season and he has come back and gone up another level again in pre-season, he has been brilliant,” said the captain.
“Last week I thought he was outstanding and then tonight, brilliant again. The free-kick is no coincidence. He has been doing that every day in training for the last few weeks – that’s why he’s on them. He’s done it on the big stage, so fair play to him.
“He’s just got to keep working hard and putting in performances like that.”
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