Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has said that he is looking forward to coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo in next weekend's Champions League final.
Alexander-Arnold has established himself as Liverpool's first-choice right-back following a breakthrough campaign at Anfield, and he will look to cap that off with victory against Real Madrid in Kiev on May 26.
Liverpool will have to cope with five-time Ballon d'Or winner and four-time Champions League winner Ronaldo if they are to lift the trophy for a sixth time, though, and 19-year-old Alexander-Arnold admits that it will be an "honour" to face one of the game's all-time greats.
"With Ronaldo being one of the greats, probably one of the best players ever, it's going to be an honour to hopefully play against him. You know a lot about him and the likes of [Lionel] Messi because you watch them on YouTube when you're growing up, you always watch those type of players," he told reporters.
"I want to challenge myself and test myself against the best players in the world and there are not many people better than the likes of Ronaldo. It will be a huge test for everyone and hopefully we come out on top. I suppose [I was a fan of his], not when he was playing for Man United though.
"You have to admit he's an unbelievable player and he's done exceptional things in the game. The numbers that he does season in, season out are absolutely unbelievable, but come May 26 we'll be looking to stop him and the rest of Real Madrid. You've just got to focus on the game and if he's a direct opponent you have to see what the strengths and weaknesses are and use them to your advantage."
Madrid will be looking to lift the Champions League for the third year in a row in Kiev, whereas Liverpool are bidding for their sixth European crown.
Barney Corkhill
