Liverpool and Manchester City might be engaged in a contemporary rivalry, but that has not prevented Trent Alexander-Arnold from expressing admiration for an adversary.

Liverpool and Manchester City have vied for three out of the last five Premier League titles and faced off in cup competitions as well, intensifying tensions in the northwest.

In the league, City narrowly secured the title over Liverpool twice by a solitary point, but this frustration hasn’t deterred Alexander-Arnold from gleaning lessons from their matches.

The right-back from Liverpool has consistently been among the top playmakers in the sport, even from a defensive position. However, his role has evolved, with a recent shift towards a more midfield-oriented position.

In the national team, he exclusively operates in the central midfield. Yet, at his club, this innovative ‘hybrid’ position has been influenced by one of his counterparts from Manchester City.

Speaking to the media ahead of England ‘s final Euro 2024 qualifiers, Alexander-Arnold said: “I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role – I don’t know what people call it these days – then it is obviously John Stones. 

“For a long time, I have admired his game. He is exceptional, so I watch him a lot; clips or even when I am just watching [Manchester] City’s games, I will sit and focus on him.”

Alexander-Arnold also talked about other midfield figures who inspire him, as his involvement in the game continues to move further up the pitch.

“I do admire the way Rodri plays,” he continued. “He is pivotal in that team and massively underrated but, like we have seen recently, when you take him out of the team, they are not the same. That just shows how important he is. 

“I will watch players from the past as well – [Sergio] Busquets, [Xabi] Alonso, Pirlo, Stevie G [Gerrard].”